‘Obsession’Review: An innocent wish turns into a nightmare in a horror flick from talented up-and-comers

Inde Navarrette stars as Nikki and Michael Johnston as Bear in “Obsession,” a Focus Features release.(Courtesy of Focus Features / © 2026 Focus Features LLC)

Stopping in a mystic shop to buy Nikki a replacement crystal necklace she lost, Bear stumbles upon a novelty toy called the “One Wish Willow.” For just $6.99, one wish will be granted by breaking a piece of a painted willow in half.

Initially buying it for her, Bear ultimately uses it himself.

“I wish Nikki Freeman loved me more than anyone in the entire world,” Bear said before snapping the willow in two.

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Bear gets immediate results — and perhaps gets more than what he bargained for.

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Nikki’s newfound affection for Bear is welcomed like luring him into bed and making breakfast in the morning, but Bear can’t help but notice her strange behavior ranging from staring at him while he’s sleeping to sudden freak-outs.Don’t even get Bear started on what she does to his poor cat Sandy…

“Obsession” doesn’t have the luxury of relying on A-listers to catch the attention of moviegoers (unless you countAndy Richter, who plays the music store manager), so it must rely on raw talent, which it has plenty.Johnston does a commendable job as the emotionally distraught Bear, but Navarrette is the real breakout star, delivering a beautifully deranged performance that rivals Kathy Bates in “Misery.” The way she can swing from absolute glee to pure agony, from nurturing to sociopathic on a whim is remarkable.Navarrette is certainly someone to keep an eye on.

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Writer/director Curry Barker, making his feature debut, does an effective job at setting an eerie tone that gives a welcoming 80s/90s throwback vibe.His visual strength ironically shines with the low-key lighting that obscures the face of the seemingly-possessed Nikki, with only her big eyes being discernible in the shadows, which brilliantly adds to the creepiness.Barker also is able to balance sheer dread with a twisted sense of humor.

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Inde Navarrette stars as Nikki and Michael Johnston as Bear in “Obsession,” a Focus Features release.(Courtesy of Focus Features / © 2026 Focus Features LLC)

The Verdict

Resembling a fairy tale from hell, “Obsession” is a solid kickoff to summermoviesfor horror fans.But more importantly, it’s a great launching pad for Barker as a filmmaker as well as for up-and-coming actors Navarrette and Johnston.

★★★ — STREAM IT LATER

“Obsession” is rated R for strong bloody violence, grisly images, sexual content, pervasive language, and brief graphic nudity.Running time: 1 hour, 48 minutes.In theaters now.

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Joseph A.Story tips can be sent to joseph.com and on Twitter: @JosephWulfsohn.