Spoilers would be asking for a refund.

I believe most people are familiar with the Monkey’s Paw trope of having a wish granted turning into a nightmare. In a rather relevant premise, this film combines dating, the “nice guy” turning out to be toxic and a false antagonist – amongst other not-so-subtle topics. The movie also hits a cringe factor that is problematic at best and criminal at worst. Guess we need to talk about it.

(Credit: Focus Features)

Obsession (2025) is written and directed by Curry Barker. A shy and introverted guy, Bear (Michael Johnston) has a crush on his coworker Nikki (Inde Navarrette). She constantly confides in him, letting him know that she plans on quitting the job and move away. But there’s more, or perhaps I should say less, to Bear. He seems completely unable to talk to Nikki as a human being. Even at the behest of his other coworker and friend, Ian (Cooper Tomlinson), he has never told Nikki his true feelings. When he finds his cat has died, he’s able to confide in Sarah (Megan Lawless) but will not tell Nikki just so he can see her again as the group goes out drinking.

See, Bear definitely puts some heavy incel vibes. He’s not willing to take the first step but rather decides to buy a gift thinking that somehow that will make Nikki fall for him without any other effort. And what he chooses is a “One Wish Willow” gimmick that will grant a single wish to whoever breaks it. However, after another cringy conversation with Nikki where he has more than enough chance to say anything he just can’t. Instead he decides to use the wish to make Nikki love him “more than anything”. This becomes true, in a way that you won’t believe.

It all works scarily weel. I can’t tell you how much I hated the protagonist. This is a case in which Nikki becomes enamoured to a dangerous point. As much as you enjoy seeing Bear getting his comeuppance, the real victim of it all is Nikki herself – who seems to have lost control of her own self. This is not a case of a shy but nice guy, but of a deluded individual who thinks deserves someone’s feelings, even if they are forced upon. It’s Inde Navarrette’s performance as Nikki which really brings out the real scares.

Highly recommended for psychological horror fans. Inde Navarrette’s acting prowess alone is worth the entire film. There’s an obvious supernatural angle, but it doesn’t really add much to the film so fortunately it remains subtle. Very much worth a watch and a good conversation starter.

That will be all for now.