Quarenta and eight hours after the national premiere,ObsessãoIt already divides opinions and conquers cinemas across the country. The psychological horror film written, directed and edited by Curry Barker transforms a simple romantic desire into a trap of control and loss of autonomy.
The production, which received Prêmio Especial from Júri in Festival from Sitges, in Espanha, arrives with distribution from Universal Pictures Brasil. The low-budget film garners praise from international critics for its mature take on toxic relationships.
Barker accumulates functions and consolidates its own style
Curry Barker, a 26-year-old filmmaker, not only wrote the script and directed, but also edited and composed the original soundtrack. Ele shares production and photography with Cooper Tomlinson, his partner on the dark comedy channelthat’s a bad ideaon YouTube. The duo’s previous work,Milk & Serial, had already attracted attention for mixing comedy and discomfort.
The precise editing and constant use of dim light create an oppressive atmosphere. Cenas of violence impresses with its emotional intensity, while brief moments of dark humor relieve tension for seconds before returning it with force. Taylor Clemons’s photography reinforces the suffocating atmosphere without relying on excessive gore.
Trama reverses roles and avoids genre clichés
Bear, played by Michael Johnston, is a shy employee at a musical instrument store who has had a platonic passion for Nikki Freeman, played by Inde Navarrette, for seven years. Sem has the courage to declare himself, he buys a mystical object called Salgueiro from Desejos and asks her to love him above all else.
The wish comes true immediately, but the result becomes a nightmare. Nikki loses its autonomy and begins to exist only for Bear, trapped in an unhealthy obsession. Aos few, the dynamics are reversed. Ela becomes jealous, possessive and violent, turning the man into a prisoner of her impulses.
- Bear acquires Salgueiro from Desejos in esoteric store
- The request grants obsessive love instantly
- Nikki’s personality is nullified by magic
- Possessiveness evolves into physical and emotional aggression
- The romantic dream becomes a mutual prison without good guys or villains
The film does not offer easy judgment. The acts of Bear, who prioritized his own desire, are as reprehensible as those of Nikki. By telling the story from a male perspective, Barker inverts horror conventions and illustrates abusive dynamics in a direct and contemporary way.
Elenco delivers intense performances
Inde Navarrette, known for 47 episodes of the seriesSuperman and LoisIn the role of Sarah Cushing, he brings physicality and precise emotional transitions. Michael Johnston, who served as Corey Bryant inTeen Wolf, balances vulnerability and responsibility in character construction. Rock Burwell’s score amplifies the contrast between initial illusion and real horror.
Positive Recepção paves Barker’s career
Obsessãodebuted in the Midnight Madness section of Festival of Toronto and continued with good repercussion in other international events. Críticos compare the director to the likes of Jordan Peele, Ari Aster and the Philippou brothers for his ability to mix psychological horror with social reflection.
The film is 108 minutes long and is rated for people over 18 years old. The experience requires a firm stomach for scenes of psychological discomfort and a willingness to reflect on the limits of desire and control in relationships.
Barker already has a full schedule. Ele will direct soonAnything But Ghosts, with Aaron Paul, Bryce Dallas Howard and Violet McGraw, and will take on a new title in the franchiseMassacre from Serra Elétrica.
