“Obsession” Review: A Disturbing Exploration of Male Entitlement and the Consequences of Self-serving Desire
(Originally published following its premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival)
“Obsession,” the latest horror offering from director Michael barker, isn’t interested in jump scares or supernatural theatrics. Instead, it delivers a chillingly realistic and deeply unsettling exploration of male entitlement, the insidious nature of obsession, and the social fallout of profoundly bad choices. This isn’t a film about monsters lurking in the shadows; it’s about the monster within, and the terrifyingly ordinary circumstances that can birth one. The film, already generating significant buzz, marks a clear continuation of the “Cregger-ification” of modern horror – a trend exemplified by films like “Barbarian” and “Weapons” – that prioritizes psychological discomfort and social commentary over conventional genre tropes.A Premise Rooted in Contemporary Anxiety
The narrative centers around Bear (played with unsettling nuance by[Actor’sName-[Actor’sName-[Actor’sName-[Actor’sName-research and insert]), a man who, driven by romantic frustration and a desperate need for connection, makes a catastrophic decision. He utilizes a mysterious, ethically dubious service to essentially “replace” his girlfriend, Nikki, with a manufactured replica after she breaks up with him. This isn’t a simple case of creating a doppelganger; the film quickly establishes that the original Nikki’s soul is trapped, screaming for help from within the customer service infrastructure of the company that facilitated this horrific act.
What promptly sets ”Obsession” apart is its unflinching focus on Bear’s outlook. We aren’t witnessing the tragedy through nikki’s eyes, but with Bear, forced to confront the unraveling of his life as the consequences of his actions cascade around him.This narrative choice is bold, and arguably the film’s greatest strength. It doesn’t excuse Bear’s behavior, but it compels us to understand the vulnerabilities and self-deceptions that led him down this path.
Beyond the Shock Value: A Commentary on Modern Relationships and Accountability
The initial shock of the premise – a man essentially purchasing a replacement girlfriend – is quickly overshadowed by the film’s astute observations about modern relationships and the shifting landscape of social accountability. “Obsession” doesn’t shy away from depicting the disturbing reality of a man taking advantage of a woman in a vulnerable state. Though, it goes further, exploring the social ostracism Bear faces as his friends and acquaintances become aware of his transgression.
party invitations cease. Connections fray. The film masterfully portrays the isolating experience of being labeled “the problematic guy,” a fear that resonates deeply in today’s social climate. This isn’t simply about the moral wrong of bear’s actions; it’s about the societal consequences, the loss of community, and the gnawing guilt that consumes him.
As the “new” Nikki descends into increasingly erratic and violent behavior - self-harm, disturbing acts of domesticity, and a desperate attempt to isolate Bear – the film doesn’t rely on typical horror tropes. instead,it uses these events to amplify Bear’s growing desperation and the chilling realization that he has unleashed something far beyond his control. The performance by[Actress’sName-[Actress’sName-[Actress’sName-[Actress’sName-research and insert]as the fractured, tormented Nikki is especially noteworthy, conveying a haunting sense of loss and suffering despite limited screen time.
A Genre Evolution: Focusing on Human Reaction, Not Just the Evil Itself
“Obsession” wisely avoids the trap of over-explaining the mechanics of the soul-transfer technology. The film isn’t interested in the “how”; it’s interested in the “why” and, more importantly, the “what now?” This approach aligns with a recent trend in horror - exemplified by films like “It Follows” and “The Witch” – that prioritizes the human reaction to unexplained evil over the evil itself.
Barker’s direction is masterful in its restraint. He allows the tension to build organically, relying on unsettling imagery, a haunting score, and the increasingly desperate performance of the lead actor to create a pervasive sense of dread. The ironic needle drops, a hallmark of contemporary horror, are used effectively to underscore the film’s darkly comedic undertones and highlight the absurdity of Bear’s situation.
Why “Obsession” Matters: A Mirror Reflecting our Own Flaws
The most compelling aspect of “obsession” is its ability to provoke uncomfortable self-reflection. The film doesn’t ask, “Could I end
