‘Obsession’ Star Inde Navarrette’s Viral ‘Hear Me Out’ List Shocks Fans

Hollywood’s latest breakout star, Inde Navarrette, is not one to shy away from bold choices. She gained significant attention earlier this year with her captivating performance in the supernatural horror film ‘Obsession’, directed by first-time feature filmmaker Curry Barker. The micro-budget film has quickly become one of the most discussed movies of the year.

Filmed in Los Angeles for just $750,000, ‘Obsession’ tells the story of Bear, a music store employee whose desire for his friend Nikki to fall in love with him through a supernatural toy leads to terrifying outcomes. Navarrette portrays Nikki, a character crafted as both a threat and a victim.

Her performance has sparked a cultural phenomenon, with ‘Obsession’ receiving a CinemaScore grade of A-minus—a rare achievement for a horror film. The movie has grossed over $148 million worldwide against its modest budget. Navarrette expressed her deep connection to the role, stating, “I’ve never resonated with a story more, and I’ve never understood exactly how to play a character,” and mentioned to Gold Derby that she initially thought her first audition was her worst.

Amidst the acclaim, Navarrette joined Complex’s Jillian Superstar for a segment that went viral. During the interview, she revealed her “Hear me out” list, a fun internet trend where participants name unconventional or fictional characters they would romantically pursue. Her choices, delivered with charming confidence, included Optimus Prime as her top pick, followed by Shrek—whom she justified as “super tall and protective”—and Mufasa.

The clip quickly gained traction on social media, with fans amused by the unique selections and Navarrette’s relaxed demeanor. The explanation for including Shrek has particularly resonated, with many agreeing that her reasoning is quite compelling.

This moment perfectly aligns with the persona Navarrette has built since her rise to fame with ‘Obsession’. Before her Hollywood breakthrough, she was an active video game streamer on Twitch, where she played popular titles like Outlast, Fortnite, and ‘The Last of Us’. In an interview with GQ, she reminisced about her gaming beginnings, recalling how she and her brother played Shrek games on the PS2 with their mom. The inclusion of Shrek on her “Hear me out” list seems either serendipitous or perfectly on-brand.

During her Complex appearance, Navarrette also discussed her journey to stardom, her gaming experiences, and the audition she thought she had completely flopped before landing her biggest role. The interview touched on her life as a gamer girl streamer, her aspirations for Oscar recognition, and featured her “Hear me out” list. It’s the kind of candid media moment that transforms rising stars into cultural icons.

Navarrette has acknowledged the fan-driven Oscar campaign surrounding her name, calling it “everybody’s dream,” while emphasizing that the audience’s love for her character Nikki is what truly matters. Given the recent success of horror films at award shows, her chances are not entirely out of reach. For now, however, the internet is buzzing over the debate of whether Optimus Prime or Shrek deserves the top spot on her list.

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