When Obsession hit Philippine cinemas, modern horror film enthusiasts were, well, obsessed with it. Directed by Curry Barker, whose previous works (Milk & Serial, The Chair) have built a loyal following, managed to create yet another unsettling film that could very well happen IRL. If you’re ready for a disturbing watch, here’s a spoiler-free look at why Obsession is worth adding to your watchlist.

It introduces us to fresh faces

Obsession introduces a cast of fresh faces who breathe life into the story—and whom you’ll probably want to see in more projects after this. There’s Michael Johnston, who plays Bear, a young man nursing a one-sided crush on Inde Navarrette’s Nikki but lacking the courage to confess his feelings.

Cooper Tomlinson, who plays Bear’s friend Ian, encourages him to finally shoot his shot, while Megan Lawless as Sarah serves as the group’s emotional anchor. Their friendship bond is shaken, however, when Nikki suddenly undergoes a dramatic and deeply unsettling change.

It’s not your usual love story

Obsession reminds us to be careful what we wish for—and maybe just say how we really feel. Instead of leaning on the typical love triangle, the film explores the thin line between romance and obsession. It twists a seemingly innocent wish into something terrifying, turning a dream come true into a full-blown nightmare.

The story slowly gets under your skin

The first act takes its time introducing the characters, giving each one a distinct personality that’s easy to connect with. It also establishes the dynamic between Bear and Nikki, making it clear they’re just friends.

After Bear breaks the mysterious One Wish Willow to win her heart, the film begins to use subtle visual cues to show Nikki’s disturbing transformation. Small shifts in her expressions, body language, and presence gradually build an atmosphere that feels increasingly wrong. Even if you’ve watched your fair share of horror films, Obsession still manages to get under your skin.

The visuals are uncanny

One of the film’s biggest strengths is Navarrette’s performance. Her facial expressions and body language do much of the storytelling, with even the smallest changes making each scene feel unsettling. She convincingly brings Nikki’s descent into obsession to life, elevating the film’s horror without relying solely on jump scares.

Obsession rewards viewers who pay close attention. Several seemingly brief moments carry significant meaning. As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that, despite having claimed to love Nikki for years, Bear barely knows who she really is. Some scenes also function as metaphors for assault and the loss of bodily autonomy, adding another unsettling layer to the story.

There’s more than horror here

Beyond the scares, Obsession explores how entitlement and control can be mistaken for love. Bear’s wish ultimately strips Nikki of her agency, revealing that it’s his obsession disguising itself as affection. The film also comments on patriarchal power dynamics, showing how control can limit a woman’s freedom to make her own choices.

At its core, Obsession asks a simple question: What if your deepest wish actually came true?

The One Wish Willow is a creative premise that taps into universal feelings of rejection, longing, and endless “what ifs.” But, as the film constantly reminds us, every wish comes with consequences—and one person’s dream can easily become someone else’s nightmare.

The verdict

If you’re a fan of body horror with psychological depth, Obsession deserves a spot on your watchlist.

It’s more than just a creepy supernatural story. At its core, the film is a cautionary tale about love, entitlement, and control, reminding us that obsession isn’t love—and no amount of manipulation or forced affection can make someone truly love you back.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

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