Skonflix Overview & Editorial Review
Bear Bailey working at a local Los Angeles music store, harbors deep feelings for his long time friend and coworker, Nikki. Hesitant to confess his true emotions, Bear stumbles upon an obscure novelty item at a local new age shop known as the "One Wish Willow," an artifact rumored to grant a single desire when broken. Desperate to win her affection, Bear breaks the item and wishes for Nikki to fall in love with him. His wish immediately comes true, but the romantic dream quickly devolves into a dark psychological nightmare as Nikki’s feelings transform into an unnerving, hyper possessive obsession. As her behavior grows increasingly unhinged, violent, and erratic, Bear attempts to undo his request, only to discover that altering the dark forces he unleashed carries terrifying consequences for everyone around them.
Written, directed, and edited by Curry Barker in his feature directorial debut following his viral internet success, Obsession blends psychological horror with dark satirical elements. Inspired by classic monkey's paw lore and dark comedic storytelling, Barker shot the film on location around Burbank and the San Fernando Valley on an ultra low budget under $1 million. Produced alongside Tea Shop Productions and Capstone Studios, the project generated immense industry buzz following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, sparking a major distribution bidding war that resulted in Focus Features acquiring global rights and Jason Blum joining as an executive producer under the Blumhouse banner.
Following its wide theatrical release in May 2026, Obsession became an extraordinary sleeper hit at the global box office. Audiences and critics widely praised the film's tense atmospheric direction, subversive humor, and lead performances by Michael Johnston as Bear and Inde Navarrette as Nikki. By modernizing classic supernatural curse tropes through a contemporary L.A. lens, the movie established itself as one of the standout original horror releases of the year.