Horror film folklore states Curry Barker made Obsession for $750,000, but the fact it went on to gross $451,000,000 says something far more profound that goes beyond facts and figures. On the surface, with only an eerie central performance from Inde Navarrette to recommend it, the real question is why audiences kept coming back. With Obsession now available on Blu-ray, 4K UHD, and digital download, fans finally have an opportunity to dig deeper.
As audiences peel back the layers, Obsession turns into a Chinese puzzle box filled with psychological triggers. Each one designed to unnerve, unsettle, and ramp up anxiety without warning. From the coolly calculating sound design that simmers sonically beneath the surface, through to in-camera tricks that consistently put audiences on the backfoot, director Curry Barker deploys unease like others orchestrate action sequences.
Combined with captivating performances from Inde Navarrette and Michael Johnston, Obsession captures lightning in a bottle. Turning this simple premise into one of the most compelling cult classics in recent memory. Tapping into adolescent anxieties and deconstructing the psychological thriller with subtlety. There may be moments of gross-out horror peppered throughout Obsession, but it takes the topic of attraction and descends into diabolical territory.
Image Courtesy of Universal Pictures
Obsession explores the universal theme of personal connection and takes the next terrifying step, applying logic to the one wish willow theory and giving Inde Navarrette scope to take chances. Her ability to move between abject adulation, unbridled mania, and flashes of physical violence are sold flawlessly. Michael Johnston might do his best to go toe to toe with her, but Navarrette wins out because Nikki is impossible to pin down.
Nikki has moments of clarity that speak to the terror of total infatuation, ramped up by the supernatural influence of Barker’s one wish willow. Unhinged and apologetic in the same breath, there is a sense of uncertainty that comes from her inner turmoil. Closer to demonic possession than anything more conventional, this compulsion to be seen and wanted by Bear morphs into subjugation, leaving Nikki without a will of her own.
In a horror movie that puts all the focus on Bear and his unrequited love for Nikki in those opening minutes, Obsession displays a subtlety and sophistication that highlights the talent of Curry Barker as writer-director. In the aftermath of those final moments this debut really hits home, turning Inde Navarrette into an instant horror icon as audiences remain conflicted long after the smoke clears.
Obsession is available on Blu-ray, 4K UHD, and digital download now.