by Samuel Nichols, Contributing Writer
You ever wonder what you’d wish for if Genie from Aladdin was at your service? At different stages of life, probably fame, fortune, or special abilities. Obsession is an undeniable case study into why that magical blue dude had a reason he outlawed making people fall in love.
Bear (Michael Johnston) is a love-struck soul. For years he has pined for Nikki (Inde Navarrette). She likes him as a friend, but no more than that, and deep-down Bear knows this. So, when he makes a special wish that Nikki will love him more than anyone in the world he is shocked when his wish seems to come true. But is this real? Is Nikki really in love with him? Is this what Bear really wanted?
Obsession is a lopsided movie in terms of quality. It reminds of an episode of Bob’s Burgers where Linda is in charge of cooking the Thanksgiving turkey and ends up burning, undercooking, and perfectly cooking different parts of the bird. Some scenes of this movie are simply fine, while others are completely uninteresting, and yet, there are moments which are excellently crafted. But, if you bite around the bad parts, so to speak, there is more than enough to chew on.
I’ve buried the lead enough. Inde Navarrette is flat out SPECTACULAR in this movie. Holy crap, reader. Horror movies do not get love or recognition at end of year awards ceremonies, but Navarrette should be on those best of year lists. She is electric, intense, horrifying, and easily creates empathy for her character. The moments where the wish overtakes Nikki is when Navarrette shines as we see something extraordinary take over her body and a massive smile cover her face. When Nikki gets upset it is a thing to behold as she screeches in anger at what has upset her. Her performance alone is worth the price of admission. Honestly it is so good that I am considering watching this movie again just to watch her facial expressions.
Did I say enough nice things about Navarrette? I’m checking with Legal on this one. Okay, they gave me a thumbs up. Thanks, fellas. Now I can tell you how one-note every other person and how they pale in comparison. Bear is supposed to be our main character and he has two emotions: pining for Nikki and fearing Nikki. That’s it. Johnston is not to blame, but I did get tired watching his nice guy schtick and then seeing him whimper. The two friends, Ian (Cooper Tomlinson) and Sarah (Megan Lawless) do nothing to be memorable from either a character or acting standpoint. Ironically, director Curry Baker has a fun cameo as a customer service rep that’s pretty fun for the movie.
Speaking of Baker, as both the writer and director he went above and beyond with the images he created. Many of the shots with Nikki are intentionally shrouded in darkness to add to the ominous feel. It’s not a jump scare heavy movie, although there was one which was very effective on the person sitting next to me in the theater, but the tone of unease and confusion goes well with Navarrette’s performance. Shots linger with Nikki lurking in the background just staring in Bear’s direction. It really draws the audience into the obviousness of Nikki’s obsession.
On the writing side, there is a lot of imagery done with mirrors. While it was not clear to me at first, the use of mirrors seems to be thematically hinting at who is actually to blame for all of this.
Rating: Low Side of Loved It
Obsession is currently available to watch in theaters.
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