Obsession

Screened at Festival Theaters, Palm Springs, California

I don't know, man, maybe it's just me getting older, and although now more content and happy at 50, perhaps I'm also more jaded. Would make sense as aging can do that; I just hope I never reach that "get off my lawn" level of old-agedom. But leaving the theater after seeing Obsession, I was really looking forward to reading the few reviews from those that this didn't click for, like myself. I knew it would be a tough task - wow, as I write this, Letterboxd has it at 4.2 - but I was looking forward to finding my film nerd brethren. It was even harder than I expected though, including from those who I would generally find myself agreeing with, and vice versa. But not this time! And not understanding why that it is, is more horrifying than this film. How am I not seeing what most others seem to see so clearly?

I did not dislike this film, the first full-length feature from supposed up and coming horror director Curry Barker (no relation to Clive). And I must add, it's clear how badly the horror community is looking for their next big thing to cream their knickers over. This is literally Barker's first full-length feature, and people are already calling him the next savior for the genre, I suppose because the last savior from just a year or so ago, Osgood Perkins (son of Anthony) hasn't exactly turned out that way. They even slap the tagline of "From the Mind of Curry Barker" onto his posters, as if people are supposed to think "ah ok, I understand what I'm getting into with this." No, you don't, it's new for all of us, and it would be rather nice if everyone just calmed the fuck down about both this director and the film.

So as not to sound too harsh, I will say I can understand why people are finding this appealing. There's plenty to like - good atmosphere, a lovely and light synth score from fellow newcomer Rock Burwell (no relation to Carter), definite creepy moments, some good mystery, and good performances (although the actress playing Nikki looked a lot like Jessica Simpson which was really distracting - and not in a good way). At the same time, is the core of this film really "be careful what you wish for"? Or "what happens when you bite off more than you can chew?" Not exactly deep stuff from "the mind of Curry Barker." It's almost like this was aiming to be "elevated horror" when it should be more tempered. Sorry y'all, this just is NOT something profound like a "meditation on toxic relationships" - it's nowhere close to being that deep a film. I would just say, for those wondering why A24 didn't pick this up for distribution, perhaps it doesn't fit their mold as much as you think, or may want it to. Hence, it instead found its rightful home at Universal's Focus Features.

People are riding a high off this, but like with Weapons which others kinda liked but just didn't get the appeal, that is where I'm at with this one. I feel no need to bash it, at all. It's fine, and yes it was entertaining. But it's a rather trope-y film that is trying so hard to punch above its weight, and that is its downfall for me. If it knew better what it was, I think it would have been stronger. It's just not the new Hereditary or the new Possessor, no matter how hard you wish it to be.