On May 15th, “Obsession” was released in theaters across the United States. On a budget of just $750,000, written and produced by a YouTube comedian turned first-time director, starring a first-time lead actress, and filmed in under a month, the R-rated indie horror was scarcely anticipated.
Despite limited funding, experience, and advertising, the film’s outstanding content soon earned expert acclaim, making it the year’s highest-rated horror movie, with a 96% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Audiences followed, grossing “Obsession” over $100 million just two weeks after its theatrical release, more than 125 times its budget! Released within days of one another, the original film has even managed to outperform the latest installment of “Star Wars” , a classic blockbuster franchise.
This stunning success was even apparent in Hingham. At my Patriot Cinemas viewing, I found the theater the most abuzz it had been since before COVID. Instead of a near-empty theater with at most a dozen other spectators, I had to wait in a line to buy a ticket, then sit in the very front row of the full capacity showing to watch the movie.
The film follows “Bear”, an introverted music store clerk, and his fateful relationship with his coworker “Nikki.” Seeking to woo her, Bear makes an innocent visit to an antique store for a charming necklace instead yields an enchanted “Wishing Willow”, granting one powerful wish. After Bear declares, “I wish Nikki Freeman loved me more than anyone in the entire world”, the pair’s relationship escalates at unnatural speeds, with horrifying consequences.
Fans appreciate the film’s fresh take, as Hollywood outsider Curry Barker plays with both the horror genre and the monkey’s paw trope in an interesting, unique way. Rather than shock value and jump scares in place of plot, Barker instead delivers an unsettling story, maintaining tension the entire hour and forty-eight-minute playtime.
Film enthusiast Jack Darling shared his positive review, adding, “‘Obsession’ was entertaining throughout; the film held my attention for a very short two hours. I’d recommend it to anyone.”
Moviegoers continue to attend. Hingham High Junior Leo Eilson spoke of his plans to watch the movie, sharing, “Many of my friends have been talking about [‘Obsession’], and clips of it keep crossing my feed. I think I’ll watch it this weekend.”
It is refreshing to see an underdog movie win among million-dollar Hollywood productions. “Obsession” owes its success to an entirely new catalog of contributors, crafted scripting, and word-of-mouth popularity; breaking from a recycled roster of superstars, soulless money grabs, and obnoxious ad campaigns.
