Get ready to have your mind twisted—because Obsession is here to prove that not all wishes come with a happily-ever-after. But here’s where it gets controversial: What if the price of getting exactly what you want is far darker than you ever imagined? Ahead of its highly anticipated screening at SXSW in Austin, Texas, next month, a captivating new still from the film has been unveiled, giving us a glimpse into the eerie world of this buzzy horror flick. The image features Michael Johnston (best known for Teen Wolf) casually taking a phone call in a restaurant, while Inde Navarrette (Superman & Lois) watches from the background—a seemingly ordinary moment that hints at something far more sinister beneath the surface.
Written and directed by Curry Barker (the mastermind behind Milk & Serial), Obsession dives into the age-old 'be careful what you wish for' trope but with a fresh, blood-soaked twist. And this is the part most people miss: While the premise might sound familiar, Barker’s execution is anything but predictable. The film follows a hopeless romantic who breaks a mysterious artifact called the One Wish Willow to win over his crush. He gets his heart’s desire—but at a cost that spirals into a nightmare of violence and terror. It’s a journey that, as Meagan Navarro pointed out in her TIFF review, is 'paved with blood-soaked violence and no shortage of nightmare fuel.'
Starring alongside Johnston and Navarrette are Cooper Tomlinson (Milk & Serial), Megan Lawless (The Girl from Plainville), and Andy Richter (Conan), with a powerhouse production team including James Harris, Haley Nicole Johnson, Christian Mercuri, and Roman Viaris. Executive producers Jason Blum, Leonora Darby, Mark Lane, David Haring, and Ruzanna Kegeyan ensure this film is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.
After its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this year, Obsession has already made waves, winning the People’s Choice Award at Sitges and screening at Fantastic Fest. But here’s the real question: Does the film’s dark take on wish fulfillment go too far, or is it the perfect blend of horror and psychological thriller? Boldly, Barker doesn’t shy away from pushing boundaries—but is it a step too far for some viewers?
As we await its theatrical release on May 15 via Focus Features and Blumhouse, one thing’s for sure: Obsession is not just another horror movie. It’s a chilling exploration of desire, consequence, and the terrifying lengths we’ll go to for love. And if you think you’ve seen it all, think again—because Barker’s next project, Anything But Ghosts, is already in the works with Blumhouse and Spooky Pictures. So, what do you think? Is Obsession a genius twist on a classic trope, or does it fall into the trap of predictability? Let’s debate in the comments!
