Obsession (2025): Horror Hit Turns a Wish for Love Into a Nightmare

Obsession is a 2025 supernatural psychological horror film written, directed, and edited by Curry Barker. Co-produced by Blumhouse Productions and distributed by Focus Features, the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2025 before expanding to theaters on May 15, 2026.

The story follows Bear, a music store employee who has long been in love with his friend Nikki. After purchasing a mysterious novelty item called the "One Wish Willow," Bear wishes for Nikki to love him more than anyone else in the world. The wish comes true, but the result is far from what he imagined. Nikki's affection spirals into a dangerous and uncontrollable obsession, triggering increasingly disturbing and violent consequences.

Michael Johnston stars as Bear, while Inde Navarrette plays Nikki. The cast also includes Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter.

Rated R, the film contains strong bloody violence, grisly images, sexual content, pervasive language, and brief graphic nudity. With a runtime of 108 minutes, Obsession blends psychological horror, supernatural terror, and dark satire into a fast-paced thriller.

Despite its modest production budget, the film became one of the surprise box office successes of 2026. Strong word-of-mouth helped it earn more than $30 million during the Memorial Day holiday frame, turning it into a breakout hit.

Critics praised Barker's direction and the film's ability to balance dread with pitch-black comedy. Many reviewers compared it favorably to Barbarian, highlighting its relentless pacing, unsettling body horror, and exploration of romantic obsession and objectification. The film has been widely recognized for transforming a simple wish-for-love premise into a disturbing examination of control, desire, and the consequences of manipulating another person's feelings.