Obsession New Supernatural Horror Film Scores 95% on Rotten Tomatoes Ahead of Release

The supernatural horror film ‘Obsession’ is garnering significant attention from critics as it approaches its wider release.

Written, directed, and edited by Curry Barker, the film follows Bear, a young man portrayed by Michael Johnston, who works in a music store. He acquires a mysterious supernatural toy and wishes for his childhood friend Nikki, played by Inde Navarrette, to fall in love with him. However, the narrative takes a dark turn as that wish begins to distort reality in perilous ways.

Having premiered on September 5 in the Midnight Madness section at TIFF, ‘Obsession’ is set for a U.S. theatrical release on May 15 through Focus Features. Even prior to its wide release, it has established a strong reputation among critics.

Currently, ‘Obsession’ boasts a remarkable 95% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 135 reviews, alongside a solid audience score. This positions it among the highest-rated horror films as we head into the 2026 release season, based on early critical feedback.

Critics have largely praised the film’s tone, direction, and particularly Inde Navarrette’s performance. Many reviews emphasize that she carries a significant portion of the emotional weight of the story. The horror elements, including jump scares and a dark final act, are also noted as effective.

Jon Negroni from Thank God for Movies rated the film 8/10, stating: “Curry Barker’s ‘Obsession’ earns its hype with a star-making Inde Navarrette performance and a vicious sense of where to point the camera.”

Stephen Silver from Splice Today also commended the film, describing it as one of the better horror films of the year. Fico Cangiano from CineXpress characterized it as a tense and unusual blend of romance and horror, strongly highlighting Navarrette’s performance.

While some critics were more mixed regarding the film’s depth, they still expressed positivity about its execution. Christopher Lloyd from The Film Yap acknowledged the familiar horror structure but appreciated the performances. Sandra Hall from the Sydney Morning Herald likened Barker’s style to filmmakers like Jordan Peele and Jennifer Kent, noting that he is still honing his voice.

Several reviews also highlighted the film’s combination of dark humor and horror. Patrick McDonald from HollywoodChicago.com remarked that the movie succeeds due to its tone and performances, particularly in scenes that merge romance with unsettling moments.

Overall, critics agree that ‘Obsession’ excels due to its lead performance and its bold approach to horror storytelling. Even when opinions vary on the originality of the story, the acting and atmosphere receive widespread acclaim.

With a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score and strong early buzz, ‘Obsession’ is being hailed by many reviewers as one of the standout supernatural horror films leading into 2026.

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