Curry Barker’s ‘Obsession’ First Horror Clip Reveals a Deadly Wish for Love

A new horror film is set to hit theaters soon, and early reactions from festival screenings have already created significant buzz. After making the rounds for some time, audiences everywhere will finally get to experience it when it premieres in cinemas next week.

Focus Features has just released a brief clip from the film, lasting just over a minute, which offers viewers a glimpse into the unsettling tone that permeates the story. The footage quickly reveals that what begins as a simple romantic scenario soon transforms into something much more disturbing.

The narrative follows Bear, portrayed by Michael Johnston, a reserved music store employee who has harbored feelings for his childhood friend Nikki, played by Inde Navarrette, for years. Nikki is confident, outgoing, and seemingly unattainable, prompting Bear to make a risky choice that alters everything.

According to production details from Focus Features, Bear stumbles upon a mysterious object called the “One Wish Willow.” Initially thinking it’s just a novelty, he uses it to wish for Nikki to fall in love with him. However, the wish is granted in a way he never anticipated.

What ensues is a relationship that quickly spirals out of control. Nikki’s feelings intensify and become overwhelming, leading her behavior to take a disturbing turn. The scenes in the clip suggest moments where her reactions become extreme, leaving Bear ensnared in a situation he can no longer manage.

In one highlighted moment, a seemingly ordinary dinner interaction takes an eerie twist. Nikki appears calm initially, but her emotions escalate unnaturally, hinting at a darker force influencing her actions.

Directed by Curry Barker, who also wrote and edited the film, he has expressed in production notes how inspired he was by narratives where small decisions lead to chaotic outcomes. This theme clearly shapes the film’s tone. The project has garnered attention not only for its plot but also for Barker’s rising profile in the horror genre.

The film had its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2025, screening in the Midnight Madness section, where it received positive feedback from critics, further building anticipation for its wider release.

The cast features Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter in supporting roles, adding depth to the unfolding story.

Behind the scenes, Barker collaborated closely with his creative team to cultivate an atmosphere of discomfort and tension. Production notes indicate that the filming style was crafted to evoke a sense of isolation, keeping the audience focused on the emotional strain between the characters.

As the release date draws near, excitement continues to mount, especially with Barker’s involvement in upcoming genre projects, including reports linking him to a new Texas Chainsaw Massacre film. This news has only heightened interest in his latest work.

The film is set to premiere in theaters on May 15, giving audiences the opportunity to witness how this unsettling narrative unfolds on the big screen.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments.