The Stream: The main character is frustrating, but that’s also the joy of this movie.

The Big Screen: Inde Navarrette kills it.

The Final Bill: Great premise. Great execution. Fun and Funny.

– Trip Fontaine
Director: Curry Barker
Writers: Curry Barker
Stars: Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless
Genre: Horror, Comedy, Thriller
Rating: R for strong bloody violence, grisly images, sexual content, pervasive language, and brief graphic nudity.
Runtime: 1 hour 48 minutes
Production Companies: Capstone Pictures, Blumhouse Productions, Tea Shop Productions, Under the Shell
Platform: In theaters May 15, 2026
Notable Trailers: Disclosure Day, Wild Horse Nine, Pressure, Finding Emily

What’s up, Streamers! Surprisingly, I’ve seen a lot of original movies at the start of this summer movie season that don’t have connection to some superhero IP or action franchise. It’s refreshing to go into a new movie and not know what to expect. Obsession, which is in theaters now, is one of those films that has a standard premise but a unique voice. In Obsession, Bear (Michael Johnston) has romantic feelings for his childhood friend and co-worker, Nikki (Inde Navarrette). Bear, of course, is unable to tell her despite having multiple openings; and, instead of just telling Nikki how he feels, he buys a “One Wish Willow” at a mystic shop and wishes for Nikki to love him. Horrific, “Be careful what you wish for” hijinks ensue.

Curry Barker, wrote and directed, Obsession with a particular sense of humor and creepiness. This movie has a basic premise like a Twilight Zone episode, but it is the tone, the script, the cinematography and committed performance by Inde Navarrette that make this movie soar. Barker wrote a very dark and funny script that echoes themes of co-dependency in relationships, consent, loneliness and longing. He turns the “monkey paw” narrative on its head to great effect. You will definitely find yourself laughing and frustrated by these characters. In particular, Bear is feckless, weaselly and acts like he has no agency when everything happens because of him – he’s a very frustrating character; but I think that’s the point. I have to rave about Inde Navarrette playing Nikki. She has a tough role to play as the object of affection and the subject of Bear’s wish. Navarrette is magnetic. She’s funny and creepy. Barker’s vision for this movie and Navarrette’s performance are the selling points for this movie.

I’ll also note that the lighting and production values of this film are specific and enhance the overall viewing experience. I don’t know if there are a lot of visual effects used, but they are used perfectly. It’s creepy without necessarily being that scary, but always memorable. There’s surprising gore that just keeps escalating. The pacing, the music… I can just go on and on.

Ultimately, Obsession is a great, original piece of work that has a specific voice in a familiar premise. The humor in this dark and creepy story helps to lighten the mood while Inde Navarrette is a scene stealer. This is a must see in the theater, so grab your big box of popcorn wish your way back to the theater – if you dare.