16 May 14th - May 20th, 2026 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | Fatal Attraction Obsession’ is an early contender for horror movie of the year. BY P-BODY SCOTT W e’re halfway through May, and we’re calling it: “Obsession” is probably going to be the best horror movie of the year. It’s unlikely that the remaining seven months will give us a stronger contender for the title of “modern classic.” in “Obsession,” newcomer writer/director Curry Barker gives us a textbook example of elevated horror, a term that generally denotes a thriller that’s artistic, intelli- gent and emotional, transcending gore, gratuitous nudity and cheap jump scares. (Think films like “Get Out,” “Hereditary,” “It Follows” and “Weapons.”) One of the reasons “Obsession” is going to be a big hit is that it’s smart as well as dazzlingly simple: A young man wishes for his friend and coworker to fall in love with him, and his wish comes true. The young man is Bear, played under- statedly by Michael Johnston, and the object of his affection is Nikki, portrayed by Tucson native Inde Navarrette in a star-making performance. He’s not quite brave enough to tell her how he feels, and as he’s shopping for a gift for her, he comes across an alternative. The One Wish Willow is a chintzy-looking trinket that promises to grant, well, one wish to the person who breaks it in half. At the moment of truth, Bear can’t quite confess his feelings to Nikki and breaks the One Wish Willow instead. What happens next takes him from the friend zone to “The Twilight Zone,” and much like any episode of the TV classic, the granted wish has horrific conse- quences. And if you’re tired of the “Monkey’s Paw” trope, don’t worry one bit — Barker’s offering is something fresh, entertaining and absolutely terrifying. Horror films about dating are often popular because they deal with common relationship issues: Who are we really involved with? What if you find yourself in an unhealthy relationship? How do we end something that’s wrong for us? It’s likely that men and women will have slightly different perspectives on “Obsession,” and Barker himself has stated that he wants audiences to discuss the film after they leave the theater. If you feel sorry for Bear, you’re not alone. To look at him one way, he’s the embodiment of “nice guys finish last,” an attractive-enough guy who’s just a little too shy to be direct about his feelings for Nikki. And to be fair, Bear never thought that the novelty wish stick would actually work. If you don’t feel sorry for Bear, you’re also in good company. Instead of manning up, putting himself out there and declaring his feelings for Nikki, he makes a choice that removes her Inde Navarrette stars as Nikki in “Obsession.” (Focus Features) >> p 18 ▼ Arts & Culture
