Obsession – aukermania

6/7 🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩

Obsession has already become a cultural phenomenon, and depending on how the rest of the year goes, if it remains a standout, it might even become a cult classic. The film features breakthrough performances from Inde Navarrette as Nikki Freeman and Michael Johnston as Bear.

Cinematically, the film feels indie, but also textured and well thought out. The close shots, intimate camera angles, and moments that feel almost theatrical help pull you into its uneasy world. There are some obvious visual elements that aid the story and guide us into an eerie setting, but I think it was perfectly filmed for the story being told. I do wonder what the thought process was behind the aspect ratio, because it ended up pulling us in as viewers rather than giving the film a cleaner, more traditional cinematic feel. There is a rawness to it that really supports the horror.

When the film wants to spook us, it does a great job of being both unique and genuinely frightful. We’ve seen unsettling smiles take over a lot of horror storylines lately, but somehow Inde makes hers feel weirdly unique and constantly evolving. Her ability to be creepy is amazing. She took us through a terrifying rollercoaster of emotions.

Michael also plays his role well, balancing Bear’s caring and frightened sides while slowly leaning into his darker self and the very human instinct to desire something — and desperately keep that possibility alive. Without getting too deep into the story, kudos to the supporting cast for helping keep the world surrounding these two obsessed individuals grounded. Nice surprise (SPOILER ALERT) cameo from a certain Conan O’Brien favorite. (END SPOILER)

Musically, nothing was especially memorable (it did the job), except I did like the track playing in the background during the car scene near the end. It brought me back to high school and college days of just chilling in the car. That said, some of the sound editing felt a little too raw and loud. Maybe it was the theater, but I would have liked the screaming to feel a little less like it was directly in my ear… though maybe that was the point.

I do wish we could have explored more of the actual powers behind the wish, but what we do see says a lot about the danger of wanting something too badly. How far is someone willing to go if they are actually obsessed? Be careful what you wish for. Most of the second half of the film felt like it was trying to scare us instead of explain a few of things that remain unknown (like who was that on the phone?), but oh well. Maybe we will find out in a sequel. Possibly a television show? Each episode could be a different customer… just saying. Black Mirror, but with magic.

Emotion: 6/7
Editing & Story: 5/7
Visuals: 6/7