The following article contains spoilers for the film Obsession.

I saw Obsession last week before it finally left theaters. I’ve heard nothing but great things about it. Even one of my close friends claimed it to be one of her favorite movies of all time, so I had to get in on the action. I went in expecting it to be something clever, and it did not disappoint, it exceeded all expectations.

On the outside, it is a impressive independent movie about, well, obsession, and how some go to great lengths to be with another person. But as you watch it, you can tell there is a deeper truth lingering beneath the surface. What seems to be a simple premise reveals itself to be a tale of not a crazy woman’s infatuation, but a man’s, and the pressures put on women by the entitled young men of our generation—all through a horror lens.

There’s more to the story

The indie film uses the concept of wishes, a beloved plot device we see in many other movies, but somehow Barker’s direction makes it feel fresh. We are introduced to the One Wish Willow, a product that seems like a prank toy, that grants the person willing to use it one wish. Our main character, Bear, ends up using it to get the woman he likes, Nikki, to love him back. Sure, it’s a classic love spell, how harmful could that be? It’s in the way he phrases it that reveals a major detail about the character: “I wish Nikki loved me more than anyone else in the world.” This narcissistic mindset is displayed throughout the entire movie, up into the bitter end.

Through Bear’s actions, it’s clear he never truly loved Nikki how he claimed. As the entity controls Nikki, he disregards her. There are moments in the movie where the “Real Nikki” comes out and tries to regain her body, but many times Bear waits them out, further revealing his selfish mentality. When she begs him to put her out of her misery, he only responds with “What’s so bad about being with me?” although being with him is against her choice. 

One of the saddest facts about this movie is when she cries for help, it’s not just Bear who doesn’t do anything. Everyone watches and assumes she’s gone insane. No one, not even her apparent best friends, seem to help her. 

Bravery only a bear could conjure

Before Bear makes his wish, we see a glimpse of what “Pre-wish Nikki” is like. She’s funny, thoughtful and speaks her mind. She is playful with Bear, but not in a flirty way. In a brief moment, Nikki tells one of their friends Sarah that she sees him as a younger brother, and a scene later in the movie when Wish Nikki is reciting a poem written by her supports that in its own twisted way. 

It’s not made 100% clear whether Nikki did or didn’t like him, but we could infer the relationship feels platonic to her. Hypothetically, if Nikki did like Bear, he ruined every chance of finding out by taking that choice away from her.

Consent is one of the major themes in the movie Obsession. If it were up to her, this would have played out differently, but everything done to her and by her through the wish was against her will.

The overarching message

It’s not only an uncomfortable watch because of gore and jump scares, it’s also a disturbing look at what many women go through and feel. Nikki loses autonomy due to Bear’s actions, leaving her with nothing in the end. Although Nikki is initially presented as the villain, she is a victim.

Curry Barker’s direction is very intentional and outstanding. The wrong eye can see the wrong message (and trust me, many do), but what remains important is the impact this film has had in the last month and how it’s written to criticize society. Obsession is a tragic story about control, consent and the loss of a woman’s autonomy in the hands of someone selfish.

Did you catch all the themes in the movie Obsession? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!