‘Masterpiece’ horror is ‘best film of year’ as fans left speechless | Films | Entertainment
It’s the new horror film that everyone is talking about (Image: Universal Pictures)
It’s the new horror film that everyone is talking about – and for good reason. Audiences have flocked to praise Obsession, the independent horror sensation written and directed by 26-year-old Curry Barker, which explores the terrifying consequences of a wish gone horribly wrong. Bear (Michael Johnston) is secretly in love with his friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette), but he can never find the courage to tell her how he feels. When he comes across a supernatural toy capable of granting a single wish, Bear seizes the opportunity, wishing for Nikki to become more obsessed with him than anyone else in the world.
But as Nikki’s fixation spirals into something increasingly disturbing, Bear realises that getting exactly what he wished for may be the worst thing that could have happened. Navarrette, 25, has earned widespread acclaim for her standout performance, delivering a chilling portrayal that is as captivating as it is deeply unsettling.
Obsession explores the terrifying consequences of a wish gone horribly wrong (Image: Universal Pictures)
Since its theatrical release on 15 May, Obsession has grossed more than $108 million worldwide against a reported budget of just $750,000. According to Variety, the film is on track to become one of the most profitable releases of 2026.
Jason Blum, the film’s executive producer, celebrated the project on X, writing: “Obsession is the ONLY wide-release horror film on record to grow in its second weekend at this scale — $22.4M, up 30% over opening. This doesn’t happen in horror.”
Obsession currently holds an 8.2 out of 10 score on IMDb and an outstanding 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Fans have flocked the praise the film online, with one writing: ” Curry Barker’s ‘Obsession’ Just Might Be a Masterpiece. Oh, what a ride this movie is. It’s the best film of 2026 so far and it’s not even close. I don’t even want to go into detail regarding the specifics of why this film is so good. It’s best to go into the film without knowing much. They don’t make them like this anymore. This is a very impressive film and a modern day masterpiece.”
Inde Navarrette has received widespread acclaim for her performance (Image: Universal Pictures)
“Best horror I’ve seen in a long time,” another IMDb reviewer penned, adding: “This movie had so much range, you’d be scared s***less and then laugh the next second. Also I had my biggest jump scare ever which I never really fall for, but I literally flew back in my seat and rocked the whole chair lmao.
“Major respect to the girl playing Nikki she was phenomenal, and props to the crew and actors for making such a quality movie with a low budget. This really is the best movie I’ve seen in the past 3 years and I’m usually reluctant to ever say something like that but I’m so impressed, this is a must see!”
A third echoed: “Some of it is generic horror formula 101, but it went a different way than I thought it would and it’s a new take and when things go down, it seriously goes down. The cast is great. Inde Navarrette is amazing, she is seriously unsettling, she is a real talent. Michael Johnston is good as the protagonist, who should have been careful about what he wished for.
“I did think it was going in a certain direction, but it didn’t, which was a bit disappointing. That said, what writer/director Curry Baker does is amazing, no silly jump scares. Just genuine tension and horror. Overall, I really enjoyed it. My favourite horror movie of the year, so far.”
