Making horror movies is becoming a popular path for filmmakers to break into the film industry and get their name out to the public. From indie successes like Talk to Me to sleeper hits like Barbarian, horror is one of the best genres for showcasing one’s filmmaking voice. This is the case for Curry Barker. Known mostly for his comedic skits on YouTube, he garnered tons of buzz after releasing horror short films The Chair and Milk and Serial, which led to the development of his debut feature, Obsession. Although the film showcases Barker’s comedic sensibilities, it also gives birth to a new voice in horror, one that is bound to have a bright future.

The film follows Baron, played by Michael Johnston, a music store employee who’s too afraid to confess his romantic feelings toward his coworker and childhood friend Nikki, played by Inde Navarrette. After buying an antique that grants someone the ability to make a wish, Baron wishes for Nikki to love him more than anyone else in the world. Although Baron’s wish comes true, it leads toward harsh consequences when Nikki becomes irratic, jumping from loving girlfriend to psychopath in the matter of seconds.

“Be careful what you wish for,” movies often all end the same. Characters make a wish for something that leads them on a path of regret, and by the end, they’ve learned their lesson and move on with their life. While Obsession borrows from this structure in some ways, it also acts as a deconstruction of this type of story. Often, movies about making a wish find ways to make the audience empathize with the protagonist throughout, even though their wishes are usually incredibly selfish and ruin the lives of those around them. Obsession takes that idea and showcases the harsh consequences that these kinds of characters deserve. Baron is an unambitious lowlife whose inability to express his feelings leads him on a path to dehumanize the person he loves most. Telling the film this way brings a refreshing perspective to the subgenre and leads to some of the scariest and most uncomfortable sequences of the year.

Obsession showcases true karma with Baron’s wish, leading him to physical and mental turmoil in numerous terrifying sequences. Although his relationship with Nikki starts out like a dreamscape, it turns into something more dangerous when Baron attempts to gain any moment of autonomy. Whether it’s creepily watching him sleep or taping the front door shut, Nikki begins to make Baron’s life a living hell. Outside of Nikki’s actions, the use of color and sound design does an excellent job of conveying the dread of their relationship, with shadows heavily emphasizing the demon that has taken over Nikki’s body. The shot compositions also do an excellent job of conveying the film’s tone and themes, showcasing the characters’ emptiness and the horror surrounding them. For a directorial debut, Curry Barker shows impressive range and confidence, fully fleshing out a world that is easy to buy into despite its supernatural elements.

Lots of horror movies recently are using humor to soften the tension, but Curry Barker uses it to create more discomfort. From awkward social interactions to bizarre facial expressions, Barker skillfully uses humor as both entertainment and a tool of fear. To those who tend to laugh in uncomfortable experiences, Obsession is likely the movie for you.

Michael Johnston is solid as the shy protagonist, but the film truly belongs to Inde Navarrette. Her performance ranks among the best in horror of the decade as the psychotic yet charming Nikki. Constantly shifting from being a warm and horrifying presence, it’s impossible to know what Nikki’s next move will be. Whether she succumbs to screaming spells or simply walks away from the conversation, Navarrette is the driving force behind the film’s horror and discomfort, and she excels in every aspect. Curry Barker may be the big talking point in terms of a new talent being born, but Inde Navarrette should be in similar conversations with her spellbinding performance.

Although the cinematography does an excellent job of building mood, the soft lighting was distracting at times. The film attempted to create a grimy environment, especially in Baron’s house, but the lack of texture in the images did not match the rest of the film’s style, making some of the horror less effective than it otherwise would’ve been. Those who aren’t affected by cinematography may not be bothered by stylistic choices, but because Curry Barker pays such close attention to all aspects of filmmaking, this lighting choice was hard to ignore.

Both spine-rattling and laugh-out-loud funny, Obsession is bound to be one of the biggest horror hits of 2026, and it’s highly deserved. With a sharp screenplay and a year-best performance from Inde Lavarrette, this depiction of love and agency is likely to stay with me for a long time. With two projects already in development, Curry Barker’s upcoming slate is high on my list of most anticipated.

Obsession is now playing in theaters nationwide.

Rating: 8/10

Oscar Prospects:

Best Supporting Actress