What is it?

Obsession is a 2025 American supernatural horror film written, directed, and edited by Curry Barker. The story follows Bear, a music store employee who buys a magical toy called a One Wish Willow. When he breaks it, he wishes for his friend Nikki to love him more than anyone in the world. The wish comes true, but in a twisted way that leads to horrific violence and tragedy.

The film stars Michael Johnston as Bear and Inde Navarrette as Nikki. Supporting roles include Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter. Barker himself provides the voice of the One Wish Willow customer service representative.

Obsession premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 5, 2025. Focus Features acquired the distribution rights for $14–$15 million, the highest price ever paid for a genre film at TIFF. Jason Blum of Blumhouse Productions came on board as an executive producer.

The film was released in theaters on May 15, 2026. It became a critical and commercial success, grossing $339.2 million worldwide. This made it Focus Features' highest-grossing film of all time and the eighth-highest-grossing film of 2026.

Obsession is Barker's second feature-length film, following Milk & Serial (2024), and his first to be released in theaters. It was shot in Los Angeles in October 2024 on a budget of $750,000.

Key Facts

Obsession is a 2025 American supernatural horror film written, directed, and edited by Curry Barker.
The film stars Michael Johnston as Bear and Inde Navarrette as Nikki.
The plot involves a magical One Wish Willow that makes a wish come true with deadly consequences.
Barker was inspired by The Simpsons episode 'Treehouse of Horror II' (1991).
The film was shot in Los Angeles in October 2024 for $750,000.
It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 5, 2025.
Focus Features acquired distribution rights for $14–$15 million, a record for a genre film at TIFF.
Jason Blum served as executive producer under Blumhouse Productions.
The film was released theatrically on May 15, 2026.
It grossed $339.2 million worldwide, becoming Focus Features' highest-grossing film ever.
It was the eighth-highest-grossing film of 2026.
Barker previously released his first feature Milk & Serial on YouTube in 2024.

Full Explanation

Plot Summary

Baron 'Bear' Bailey works at a music store with his friend Nikki Freeman, whom he secretly loves. After his cat dies from eating oxycodone, Bear buys a One Wish Willow from a crystal shop as a gift for Nikki. When Nikki asks if he likes her, he denies it. Frustrated, he breaks the willow and wishes for Nikki to love him more than anyone in the world.

Nikki immediately becomes obsessed with Bear. She creates a memorial with his cat's remains and behaves erratically. Bear learns that Nikki lied about her father having cancer and that she previously saw him as a 'little brother.' The wish cannot be undone—it will only expire when Bear dies.

At a party, Nikki violently stabs her face with a broken bottle. Later, she murders Bear's friend Sarah by slamming her head into a brick. Bear tries to reverse the wish by buying more willows, but they don't work. His friend Ian wishes for a billion dollars, which comes true, but Nikki kills him too.

The One Wish Willow

The One Wish Willow is a novelty toy that grants one wish per person when broken. The wish cannot be reversed and lasts until the wisher dies. The toy's customer service is a mysterious voice that seems to have control over the wish's effects. The design of the willow was created by Barker's mother, a graphic art designer.

Barker intentionally avoided explaining the willow's origins or rules in detail. He wanted the toy to feel like a simple, unexplainable force of horror. The willow's power is absolute and indifferent to human suffering.

Ending and Themes

In the climax, Bear locks himself in a bathroom and tries to shoot himself but can't. He instead consumes the remaining oxycodone and dies from an overdose. As he dies, Nikki breaks the last willow, and Bear kisses her before dying. Nikki then regains control of herself and is horrified by the carnage.

The film explores themes of obsession, toxic love, and the danger of trying to control another person's feelings. It also comments on how unrequited love can turn into something destructive when given supernatural power.

History

Curry Barker began his career as a YouTube sketch comedian with his partner Cooper Tomlinson under the channel 'that's a bad idea.' In 2023, he uploaded a short horror film called The Chair to his channel. The short caught the attention of producer James Harris of Tea Shop Productions.

Harris offered Barker the chance to adapt The Chair into a feature film. Instead, Barker pitched Obsession, a different idea he had been developing. The concept was partly inspired by The Simpsons episode 'Treehouse of Horror II,' where Homer uses a monkey's paw to make wishes.

Barker spent eight months writing the screenplay while working at a coffee shop. He signed with William Morris Endeavor and received an offer to direct with a $1 million budget. He declined a $2 million offer to rewrite the script to make Bear a hero, wanting to keep the story dark.

Before Obsession, Barker released his first feature film Milk & Serial on YouTube in August 2024. That film also gained attention and helped build his reputation as a horror filmmaker. Obsession was shot in Los Angeles in October 2024 with a budget of $750,000.

The film premiered at TIFF in September 2025, where it sparked a bidding war. Focus Features won with a $14–$15 million deal, the highest ever for a genre film at the festival. Jason Blum joined as executive producer, adding credibility to the project.

Why it matters

Obsession is a landmark film for independent horror. It shows that a low-budget film made by a YouTube creator can compete with major studio releases. The $339 million box office gross proves that audiences are hungry for original horror stories with strong concepts.

The film also highlights the power of film festivals like TIFF in launching breakout hits. The record-breaking acquisition deal set a new standard for genre films at the festival. It demonstrates that horror can be a lucrative investment for distributors.

For Curry Barker, Obsession represents a major career leap. He went from making YouTube sketches to directing a theatrical hit with Blumhouse backing. His success story inspires other independent filmmakers to pursue their visions without compromising.

Finally, the film's themes about obsession and toxic relationships resonate in a world where social media and dating apps often blur the lines between love and control. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of trying to force someone to love you.

Obsession (2025 film)