I walked into another banger at SXSW this year and just want to talk to everyone about it. Written and directed by Curry Barker, Obsession stars Michael Johnston as Bear, who has a crush on Nikki (Inde Navarrette) and is working up the nerve to ask her out. He is desperate to find the perfect moment. After failing, yet again, to admit his feelings, he makes a wish with a One Wish Willow and gets exactly what he asks for.
Bad Relationships
Friends Nikki, Bear, Ian, and Sarah work together and are very close. Ian (Cooper Tomlinson) is giving Bear a lot of advice, but doesn’t think Bear and Nikki are right together. Sarah (Megan Lawless) also seems to have a crush on Bear, but he is oblivious.
After Nikki loses her crystal necklace, Bear decides to replace it. However, he’s easily caught up by a more interesting purchase. The One Wish Willow. He hopes to give it to Nikki and tell her how he feels.
One night out, Bear gives Nikki a ride home, and she boldly asks him if he has feelings for her. When he refuses to admit the truth, he becomes so frustrated with himself that he makes a wish that Nikki love him more than anyone else in the world. The results are immediate.
Nikki changes drastically. She has only one thing on her mind, and Bear finally has the girl he loves. Their friends are alienated by the new relationship. However, Bear isn’t convinced it’s the wish doing all the work until Nikki’s behavior becomes obsessive. In the real world, there really would be no reason for him to believe his wish has come true. But Nikki behaves so unlike herself that everyone notices, so Bear should be more concerned for her.
Bad behavior
Nikki’s behavior is twisted from the start. I’m not sure how Navarrette practiced her screams, but they were bone-chilling. Her presence was unsettling in every moment. I was scared to see what she would do next. Her actions were frightening.
Their friends’ inaction is also disturbing. But no matter how bizarre Nikki acts, Bear is willing to put up with her. Despite multiple warnings, Bear continues on with the relationship. And everyone is concerned about Nikki.
Early on, Bear understands that his wish is the problem. However, this doesn’t stop him from continuing to have sex with Nikki. She’s terrifying him, and yet he hops back into bed with her. There’s a reason the sex looks rough, and Nikki looks like she’s faking it. All of the bad behavior is forced onto her, while Bear’s bad behavior is chosen. This starts to bring up real issues of consent.
One Wish Willow
I refuse to ruin some of the best moments of this movie, but at some point, Nikki is harming herself. Instead of seeking professional help, Bear decides it’s time to return to the store where he made his purchase. It’s obvious the wishes are coming true, and his plan is to have someone unwish his wish.
Obsession is dark and wild. Nikki is a terrifying character. The mood is the best. I was honestly scared more than a handful of times. Obsession will be on my favorites list for the year. It’s much more than a cautionary tale of being careful what you wish for. Bear is taking advantage of a friend, and the more he wants this to be real for him, the more he gets exactly what he deserves. Watch it and read more from SXSW HERE.
