Obsession Review: The Tiny Horror That Terrifies You Blind

A Unique Experience at the Toronto International Film Festival

One of the most enjoyable moments I experienced during this year's Toronto International Film Festival was during a Midnight Madness screening. The film Obsession, directed and written by 25-year-old YouTuber Curry Barner in his feature debut, received an enthusiastic response from the audience, with laughter, applause, and even a standing ovation. This horror film was a runner-up for the Midnight Madness People's Choice Award at the festival and was acquired for distribution by Focus Features for a significant eight-figure sum.

Obsession is a fresh take on the classic "be careful what you wish for" theme. It follows the story of a music store employee who wishes for his platonic friend to fall in love with him, only to find himself dealing with unexpected consequences.

The Midnight Madness Lineup

Midnight Madness is a late-night programming segment at TIFF that showcases genre films. Past highlights include The Substance, The Blair Witch Project, Candyman, and Ti West's Pearl. These screenings often attract passionate fans and critics alike, offering a mix of suspense, horror, and humor.

Curry Barner introduced Obsession before the screening. He shared insights about the making of the film, emphasizing the importance of a dedicated cast and crew. “A movie like this does not get made unless you have an entire cast and crew who put their all into it,” he said. He also mentioned that his previous project was made for $800, highlighting the passion and dedication required to bring such a film to life.

Plot and Performances

The plot of Obsession centers around Bear (played by Michael Johnston), who wishes for his long-time crush, Nikki (Inde Navarette), to fall in love with him. Initially, things seem to go smoothly, but Nikki's behavior becomes increasingly possessive and extreme. The film offers a blend of humor, suspense, and horror, with standout performances from the cast, particularly Inde Navarette.

While the film was engaging, one of my concerns was the limited time spent developing Nikki’s character before her transformation. This could have provided more depth and enhanced the viewer's reaction to her actions. Her lack of autonomy over her body and mind might have been more impactful if the audience had more time to connect with her.

Despite these issues, Obsession successfully blends horror and comedy, similar to films like Barbarian or Bodies Bodies Bodies. The humor helps balance the intense tension and the unsettling performance by Inde Navarette as Nikki.

A Directorial Debut Worth Noting

Although Obsession isn’t a perfect film and the "be careful what you wish for" trope has been explored extensively in the horror genre, it remains an impressive directorial debut. The film left a lasting impression on the audience and even managed to secure a deal with Focus Features just two days after its premiere, acquiring distribution rights for over $15 million.

This ambitious project was created on a modest budget of $1 million, showcasing the potential of independent filmmaking. Obsession premiered on September 5 at the Toronto International Film Festival and currently does not have a set theatrical release date.