Curry Barker, a 26-year-old filmmaker, is riding a wave of success. Over the last 18 months, he went from making simple YouTube comedy videos to directing a horror short that cost $800 and went viral. Now, he’s diving into big-budget filmmaking with his new feature film, Obsession, which just premiered and has already earned a staggering $15 million.
Obsession tells the story of Bear, a shy guy who makes a fateful wish using a mysterious tree. He wishes for his co-worker, Nikki, to love him more than anyone. His wish comes true, but not in the way you might expect. The film, lauded for its gripping narrative, currently boasts a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the top-reviewed horror films this year.
Barker shared his thoughts before the film’s release, acknowledging how nerve-wracking it can be to read audience reactions. He admits that while the positive feedback has been uplifting, he’s wary of any negative comments that might linger in his mind.
This type of moment isn’t uncommon; many festival favorites struggle to build on early acclaim. Films like Shelby Oaks and Dangerous Animals have faced disappointing box office results despite initial positive buzz.
Obsession offers a deep exploration of desire and consequence. Inspired partly by the horror classic “The Monkey’s Paw,” it revisits the perils of getting what you wish for. Bear’s innocent longing quickly spirals into a nightmare, revealing dark themes of obsession and control. This nuanced portrayal aims to shine a light on toxic relationships and male entitlement, reflected in Bear’s transformation.
The film pushes boundaries with its intense scenes. At one point, Barker faced an NC-17 rating, which can doom a film’s box office prospects. After some edits, he managed to keep the essence of the impactful moments intact.
Inde Navarrette, who plays Nikki, delivers a powerful performance, embodying a character trapped by Bear’s ill-fated desire. As she grapples with her loss of agency, her experiences reflect deeper societal issues, hinting at the rising discussion of “incel horror”—a term that highlights male resentment and entitlement.
Barker, whose previous work gives him a unique perspective, didn’t initially see Bear through that lens. However, he acknowledges the conversation emerging around the film and how it reflects modern tensions.
Barker’s upcoming projects include a darkly comedic thriller with stars Aaron Paul and Bryce Dallas Howard. He emphasizes the importance of directing experienced actors while fostering a light, playful environment on set. His approach helped put both actors at ease, enabling them to contribute creatively.
One major upcoming endeavor for Barker is a new version of the classic slasher film, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Engaging with passionate fans of the original has been a learning experience, especially as he navigates their expectations while crafting something fresh.
Barker is part of a new wave of filmmakers, many of whom began on platforms like YouTube. They are energizing the horror genre and captivating younger audiences. A recent study found that Gen Z is the most frequent movie-going demographic, something Barker sees as encouraging for the industry’s future.
While the rise of AI prompts mixed reactions throughout Hollywood, including strong opinions from figures like Guillermo del Toro, Barker expresses cautious concern. He believes that while AI won’t replace human creativity, it’s essential to recognize the difference between AI-generated content and authentic storytelling.
For Barker, the movie theater remains an escape, especially in a world that often feels dominated by screens. He believes that as long as there’s a desire for connection through film, theaters will continue to thrive.
In summary, Obsession is more than just a horror film; it’s a reflection on desire, societal issues, and the transformative power of cinema in today’s digital age.
For more insights, check out the review on The Guardian.
