Obsession is another one of those cinematic Rorschach tests; what you see says more about you than what’s actually there. It truly is a horror film for our times, especially for young men and women. It’s one that I’ll never be certain of. Each time I watch it, I will come away with a different interpretation. I know what it’s talking about, but I’ll never be sure of what it actually says. If it’d found distribution sooner, Obsession would’ve definitely made it into my Top 5 Best Films of 2025 list.

This independent horror centres on 20-something Bear (Michael Johnston) and his trepidatious pursuit of his crush Nikki (Inde Navarrette). He purchases a One Wish Willow, a strange novelty stick that grants a wish once broken. He goes ahead and snaps it, wishing for Nikki’s love. The relationship that follows eventually mutates into a living nightmare.

The Concept

Many have brought up the Monkey’s Paw premise when examining Obsession. While I totally get the comparison, one trope I haven’t heard mentioned so much is the Love Potion.

Most examples see it utilised for comedic purposes; Ron Weasley’s intoxication in The Half-Blood Prince will come to mind for certain generations. The first time I encountered it was in Red Dwarf with the infamous sexual magnetism virus. I also recall a handful of Buffy The Vampire Slayers that played with the concept.

I think Obsession could be considered one of the first Love Potion stories in horror. It’s almost certainly not the very first example, but it could be the first well-known.

Before the wish, Nikki is an outgoing, charismatic young woman. She’s hard not to like. To Bear’s frustration, he can’t tell if her generosity is a sign of affection or just being a good friend.

After the wish, Nikki’s demeanour around Bear does a 180. Her expressions of love for him are awkward at first, but as time goes on, her love language turns increasingly aggressive and antisocial.

It becomes apparent that Nikki is not herself. That when Bear made the wish, Nikki’s consciousness was flushed out of her body and replaced with an entity that fulfils the wish.

By breaking the One Wish Willow, Bear, unknowingly at first, removes Nikki’s free will. His wish forces Nikki to become something she didn’t consent to, similar to a Love Potion.

Bear’s understanding of this, and the things he does subsequently, is where the debate of Obsession begins.

The Characters

Hero, villain, hopeless romantic, covert narcissist; whatever Bear is, most of us have been desperate for love.

He has no desire to violate Nikki or cause her pain. However, his desire for her as a partner overrides his better judgment. There’s a point where Bear’s plausible deniability completely disintegrates, yet he allows the relationship to continue.

Why?

Because he wants her that much?

Because he’s that insecure about being single?

Because being in a relationship is such a norm in his circles, he doesn’t want to look like an outcast?

As I said, Obsession is a cinematic Rorschach test and an uncomfortable one at that.

I am yet to call Obsession ‘well-written,’ which is amazing. That’s because I’m more occupied by the questions its writing tackles than how it tackles them. I think that’s the measure of a great story.

I don’t think I have to recommend Obsession. All I have to say is, if you haven’t seen it, see it.

I give Obsession an outstanding 10 out of 10.