In the current Hollywood landscape of reboots, remakes and interconnected universes, it’s exceedingly rare to find the cinematic diamond in the rough known as originality. “Obsession” is that creative gem and shines as one of the best horror films of the decade. 

Directed by former YouTube comedian Curry Barker, “Obsession” follows Bear, a shy and nervous twenty-something hopelessly in love with his friend Nikki. When he can’t summon the courage to ask her out, Bear uses a wish-granting piece of wood to make Nikki love him “more than anyone in the world,” resulting in the titular infatuation.

But Nikki isn’t quite herself anymore, and Bear desperately searches for a way to undo his wish as it backfires and ruins his life.

Besides justifying why the genie in “Aladdin” couldn’t accept love wishes, “Obsession” serves as a cautionary tale against codependent relationships and taking the “easy way” in life. 

Although the plot is relatively simple, Barker’s writing and the cast of mostly unknowns excellently flesh it out with realistic dialogue, truly terrifying scenes and a dash of black humor.

As Bear, Michael Johnston walks the fine line between sympathetic protagonist and malicious coward as the character sinks further into the consequences of his wish. 

Cooper Tomlinson, Barker’s longtime YouTube buddy brings a spark to the film’s few but funny moments of humor as Bear’s friend Ian, and Megan Lawless acts as a great foil to Nikki as Sarah.

Inde Navarette is the real star of “Obsession,” however. In her portrayal of Nikki, Navarette flexes immense range, swinging from a sweet girlfriend to murderous monster on a dime and creating an air of suspense in nearly every scene.

The terror is only amplified by the movie’s great cinematography courtesy of Taylor Clemons. With a budget of just $750,000, “Obsession” didn’t have the funds to make a scary CGI monster or buy loads of fake blood, but it keeps the audience’s hearts racing with excellent use of lighting.

“Obsession” is a dark movie, and not just due to the plot. Scenes are shot mostly in the dark, often obscuring Navarette’s face and amplifying tension as Bear and the audience can’t see what she’s doing or thinking.

Modern horror movies too often take the easy route in scaring audiences, relying on cheap jump scares and scary music to do the legwork that should be done through genuine suspense and good acting. So, it’s refreshing to see a film like “Obsession” understand what horror is at its core and utilize it, especially so effectively on a tight budget. 

That understanding is what separates “Obsession” and other great horror films from the genre’s chaff and makes it a truly terrific movie.