Director: Curry Barker
Starring: Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, Andy Richter
Certificate: 18
Run Time: 109 mins

Obsession is a supernatural horror written and directed by Curry Barker, best known for creating independent videos on YouTube. That a former YouTuber has now become an instant horror sensation with Obsession‘s very positive reception is quite the achievement. The film follows Baron ‘Bear’ Bailey (Michael Johnston), who works at a music shop and has romantic feelings for his colleague, Nikki Freeman (Inde Navarrette). But Bear lacks the confidence to reveal his love for her, and after buying a ‘One Wish Willow’ at a mystic shop, he wishes Nikki would love him more than anyone in the world. Let’s just say Bear certainly gets his wish.

There’s a lot to admire with Obsession – it’s clearly directed with passion by Barker, and the film has a distinct visual palette that’s almost dream-like. The first half, in particular, is beautifully shot by Taylor Clemons, reminding me of Charlie Kaufman’s I’m Thinking Of Ending Things, blended with David Robert Mitchell’s It Follows. It helps that there’s a brilliant score by Rock Burwell, with many memorably haunting themes. And Inde Navarrette’s career is surely going to kick off after her committed performance as Nikki, who is by far the cast’s highlight.

But unfortunately, that’s where the positives end. While Barker clearly has an eye for visuals, his writing leaves a lot to be desired. I thought the script was often tin eared and I just didn’t connect with any of the characters, or buy some of the narrative beats the film heads down. Another problem with the script is the humour, which just didn’t work for me at all – but there were plenty of laughs to be heard in my screening, so perhaps it’s just me.

For a film that’s meant to be scary and unsettling, I didn’t find it frightening in the slightest. Although it’s been plastered with an 18 rating by the BBFC, it’s because of one gory, but completely unoriginal slaying. I found the concept of Bear effectively depriving Nikki of her life a little uncomfortable (as you should) and the character despicable as a result, but the odd narrative beats the story takes often distilled my discomfort.

While Obsession is very flawed and I don’t understand the gushing praise, Curry Barker is clearly a talent to watch as a director and he clearly has a vision. I just hope he tightens up his writing, or passes scripting duties to someone else for his next film. Despite Obsession having a great concept, it’s a shame Barker doesn’t do it justice with an unfocused story that doesn’t quite land the right tone.