I first became familiarized with Curry Barker with his YouTube film Milk & Serial, which he directed, wrote and starred in, so when I learned of his newest film, Obsession, I was definitely excited. The film stars Michael Johnston as Bear and Inde Navarrette as Nikki, and basically deals with a wish that goes wrong.

Bear has had feelings for Nikki for a long time, but despite this, it doesn’t seem like Nikki is all that interested in turning the friendship into something romantic. He’s desperate for romance, and while looking for a gift for Nikki, he stumbles upon a novelty gift that promises the user one wish. Of course, Bear is desperate and doesn’t think twice, snapping the gift and making his wish for Nikki to love him more than anyone else in the world.

Things start off great; Nikki is suddenly obsessed with Bear. She only wants to be with him and make him happy. However, things quickly turn as Nikki starts displaying an overbearing clinginess and a more sinister personality. Nikki will suddenly snap and scream — afraid of something only she can see. She’s so obsessive, she even watches Bear from the corners of the dark room while he sleeps. However, if Bear even signals any fear or apprehension, this pushes Nikki even more over the edge.

Navarrette’s performance as Nikki was incredible. The way she moved her body, and shifted her face and emotions was really amazing. She portrayed a sweetness that turned into something sinister and almost inhuman. The different voices and screams that she did are something you’ll find hard to shake. Likewise, the use of movement and uncanniness really heightened the sense of unease and creepiness. I thought the obsession would remain rather tame, but the film continued to surprise me. Of course, I worried for Bear, but I couldn’t help but feel for Nikki. This wish brought about something completely non-consensual, and the transformation that Nikki experienced was one of pure torture.

Sound and movement were huge driving factors in Obsession‘s creepiness. The sound design was completely disorienting, with moments that were shockingly loud and other times that were soft and unsettling. Layered with uncanny movements, such as a moment when Nikki moves suddenly backwards would just leave you feeling weird. I would also be caught by surprise by quick and sudden movements, with Nikki moving suddenly into and out of the darkness.

Something I really didn’t expect from this film was the level of gore, which is straight up brutal. While the film is a bit of a slow burn, once it starts going it does not stop. I don’t want to go into detail to avoid spoilers, but if you’re a queasy person, I would probably avoid watching Obsession. The film does not shy away from the gore, making you face (and even hear) the unfolding horrors which nobody is safe from.

If you love horror, and of course, you were a fan of Barker’s Milk & Serial, definitely check out Obsession. It is one you need to watch in theaters to fully immerse yourself in the sound design. Luckily, the film has been picked up from Focus Features, so you should be able to enjoy the film soon!