New horror film explores obsession, consent, and the dark consequences of manufactured love.
Image: NME
Director Curry Barker’s Obsession is emerging as one of the year’s most unsettling horror films, using a supernatural premise to explore themes of control and consent.
The story follows Bear, a young man who wishes for his friend Nikki to love him unconditionally. Instead, the wish traps her in a disturbing version of herself, stripping away her ability to choose.
Inde Navarrette’s performance as Nikki has drawn praise for portraying the psychological and physical toll of the curse. Her character’s struggle to reclaim her identity becomes the film’s emotional core.
Rather than relying solely on jump scares, Obsession builds tension through emotional horror, showing how desire can become entitlement when consent is ignored.
Critics have highlighted the film’s unsettling atmosphere and its examination of obsession disguised as love.
The film ultimately argues that obsession does not love a person—it loves an idealized version of them, regardless of the damage caused.
