Plot: What’s it about?
If you’re one of those movie-goers that likes something truly original, this is for you. Like some films from the past decade that preceded it, such as Hereditary or It Follows, this one has a genuinely “creepy” vibe that leaves you shaken, but also somewhat exhausted. That’s a bold accomplishment after a 108 minute movie. Given the aforementioned films, that’s a big statement to make however Obsession seems to fit squarely in that place. And given its surprising box office success ($400+ million plus on a budget of less than one million), it’s clear that audiences liked and wanted to see this as well. It also means we’ll likely see more from Curry Barker.
We meet Bear (Michael Johnson), who works in a music store along with Nikki (Inde Navarrette), Ian (Cooper Tomlinson), and Sarah (Megan Lawless). He’s certainly got a thing for Nikki and plans to confess his feelings to her as soon as he can get the courage to do so. While looking for a present for her, he discovers a “One Wish Willow” that will, as the name entails, grant a single wish to the person who opens the package and snaps the branch inside. As we might guess, Bear wishes for her to “love him more than anyone in the world.” (There’s a four letter word I left out of his wish, but you get the idea). It works. Nikki’s behavior starts to grow erratic as she goes through the cycle of love, clingy, jealously and rage – you know, just like most women. The phrase “be careful what you wish for” has never been more true than it is here. And things continue their downward spiral as the film progresses.
Like most great horror films, the “less is more” approach certainly applies (and works) here. This isn’t a Christoper Nolan film – you don’t need a PhD in Astrophysics to appreciate the nuances in it. Just as Jaws made horror more basic, so too does this. And there are some elements of Fatal Attraction (at least, that’s the vibe I got) thrown in for good measure. There’s also not too many, if any, recognizable faces in the film (or behind it), but I’m willing to bet that’ll all change. It’s dark, dimly lit and straightforward – Obsession delivers what it promises.
Video: How’s it look?
In the days that most films will test the horizontal limits of your screen we’ve got this: a 1.50:1 modern day film that’s just a hair wider than some of the films from Hollywood’s golden age. Those black bars are on the sides, not the top and bottom. You’ll get used to it, but it also helps give the film a claustrophobic effect which, in my opinion – works. I mentioned above that this is “dark and dimly lit.” It is. That also sets the tone and mood, but being that it’s a new-to-the-format title detail, colors and contrast are all spot on. If it’s a good-looking picture you’re after, you need look no further.
Audio: How’s it sound?
The film’s Dolby Atmos soundtrack does, however, take advantage of the technology out there and gives us a subtle, yet very active Dolby Atmos mix that certainly heightens the mood and elevates certain scenes. Vocals are top notch as well and the active surrounds keep things moving in a restaurant setting (or the bedroom). There’s nothing mind-blowing here, but the track serves its purpose and makes for a fine inclusion.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Audio Commentary – The film’s editor and director sits down for a discussion of his unexpected hit. Given that Barker served on a few different roles in the film, it’s an interesting track that manages to focus on some of the technical aspects, that weird aspect ratio and everything in between. It’s a nice track.
- Obsession Unleashed – ake the obsession further by going behind the scenes with filmmaker Curry Barker and the cast, Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson and Megan Lawless, to see them create a wild horror story out of intense performances and shocking scares. Hear the cast reflect on their most memorable scenes, get a peek at Michael and Inde’s chemistry test that sparked the film’s emotional core, and see how their collaboration shaped the film’s most unsettling moments.
The Bottom Line
It’s nice and refreshing to see that a film with a budget under $1 million dollars can turn into such an unexpected hit. In the days with films that have a nine-figure budget and struggle to break even, we’ve got this. You’ll know right away if this one is for you or not – I personally found it engaging.
