Curry Barker Discusses Original ‘Obsession’ Ending and Influential Feedback

Curry Barker’s horror film Obsession was initially set to conclude in a much darker way, but the director opted for a different final cut after receiving feedback from his father and others during production.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Barker revealed that he had envisioned a significantly darker ending for the film. Obsession centers on Bear, portrayed by Michael Johnston, a lonely young man who uses a magical object known as the “One Wish Willow” to make his crush Nikki, played by Inde Navarrette, fall in love with him. While the wish is granted, it leads to deadly and destructive consequences.

Barker mentioned that he initially crafted a “Romeo and Juliet” style ending where both protagonists meet their demise. He stated, “I was really obsessed with this Romeo and Juliet ending, actually,” referring to his first version of the conclusion. Although that version was fully filmed, it was ultimately excluded from the final release.

The director confirmed that two different endings were filmed during production. One followed his original concept, while the other depicted an alternate outcome for Nikki. The team managed only one take for one of the versions due to its technical complexity and the need for a continuous camera move.

After reviewing the footage, Barker began to receive strong reactions from those around him, including his father. He noted that his dad and others felt that the alternative version, where Nikki survives, was actually more disturbing and emotionally impactful.

This feedback prompted him to reconsider his choice. The version where Nikki survives and awakens after everything becomes the final ending of the movie. In this version, she regains consciousness after being under the influence of the wish and must confront the aftermath of her actions.

Barker explained that the experience within the spell leaves her profoundly shaken. She recalls everything that transpired while she was under control, adding another layer of trauma to the conclusion.

In the final cut of Obsession, Nikki awakens in a devastated room, discovering that Bear is dead, along with another character, Ian, whom she killed while still under the wish’s sway. The ending is crafted to leave her alive but emotionally scarred.

Barker stated that this outcome resonates more deeply with the film’s themes. He elaborated that the narrative is not solely about horror or supernatural wishes, but also about control and consent. The film aims to illustrate the consequences of attempting to force love rather than allowing it to develop naturally.

He also noted that the concept draws inspiration from familiar cautionary tales, including The Monkey’s Paw and segments from The Simpsons “Treehouse of Horror” episodes. However, he emphasized that his version focuses more on the emotional and psychological repercussions.

Barker mentioned that he might still release the original ending in the future as part of a director’s cut, providing audiences with a chance to view the version that was omitted from theaters.

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