There are several up-and-coming horror directors in Hollywood right now, like Zach Cregger, Parker Finn, and the Philippou Brothers, all eager to ascend to the critical heights of modern genre heavyweights Robert Eggers, Ari Aster, and Jordan Peele. Will Curry Barker join that list? If the buzz out of TIFF 2025 about Barker’s “Obsession” is real, he just might.
Barker’s sophomore feature gives the familiar “careful what you wish for” setup a gleefully sinister twist. What could go wrong when a guy uses a cursed toy to get the girl of his dreams? The answer is, well, pretty much evertyhing.
Here’s an official synopsis for “Obsession,” courtesy of Focus Features:
After breaking the mysterious “One Wish Willow” to win his crush’s heart, a hopeless romantic finds himself getting exactly what he asked for but soon discovers that some desires come at a dark, sinister price.
“Obsession” stars Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter.
Barker writes and directs “Obsession,” his follow-up to 2024’s “Milk & Serial.” Producers on the film include James Harris, Haley Nicole Johnson, Christian Mercuri, and Roman Vilaris. Executive producers include Jason Blum, Leonora Darby, Mark Lane, David Haring, and Ruzanna Kegeyan.
“Obsession” had its world premiere at TIFF 2025 as part of the fest’s Midnight Madness block; Focus picked up the film’s US distribution rights two days later. The film also screens at SXSW 2026 next month before it hits theaters this spring.
Check out the new teaser for “Obsession” below. The horror thriller opens everywhere on May 15.
