The moment I heard the opening notes to “Forever” by The Little Dippers and saw the credits roll on screen, I opened up my Letterboxd to write my review for Curry Barker’s “Obsession.”
While I usually have a witty blurb written up in my head, I was stuck staring at five unfilled stars. And no, it wasn’t because I was left in awe, I was disappointed.
I know you guys are probably rolling your eyes right now, thinking I’m a pretentious person who doesn’t let herself enjoy movies.
But let me preface this before I continue: I was entertained by the movie. I enjoyed watching it on the big screen and thought it was well made. However, after seeing many rave reviews from my friends and a lot of discourse about it online, “Obsession” fell a little flat for me.
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The movie follows a group of twenty-somethings centered around Bear, a shy music store employee who has long harbored feelings for his best friend and coworker, Nikki. When he discovers a mysterious object that promises to grant a wish, he takes a chance in hopes of changing his romantic fortune. However, Bear’s wish goes all wrong as it triggers a series of increasingly disturbing events.
Going in, I had no idea what the plot was about, expecting it to be this crazy, super original, and chaotic horror movie that was going to knock me right out of my socks. But a movie about a wish gone wrong? If I wanted to see that, I would rather just rewatch “Sixteen Wishes” starring Debbie Ryan.
After “Obsession” became a surprise box office hit, some fans and critics started treating it like a watershed moment for the horror genre. The Guardian called it a film that had “changed the game in Hollywood,” while online discussions frequently described it as one of the best horror movies in years.
I didn’t think it was original, shocking, or anything special, and that’s OK. Not every movie needs to be as revolutionary as “Citizen Kane” or “The Matrix” — I just don’t enjoy when people act like a decent movie is going to change the face of the industry.
I don’t know if there is something I’m missing, but I don’t understand what is so groundbreaking about “Obsession.” I really think it was just an OK movie.
I ended up rating it three and a half stars, which looking back, might be a little generous. Maybe I need to see it again with lower expectations, but I don’t often change my mind when it comes to movies.
If you’re into psychological thrillers, you will probably have a good time with “Obsession.” Just don’t walk into the theater expecting the future of cinema. Trust me — Debbie Ryan already granted that wish in 2010.