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| [L-R] Inde Navarrette as NIKKI, Michael Johnston as BEAR in OBSESSION |
It's no secret – OBSESSION is one of the most popular movies out this summer. Ever since it's May 15 debut, it's stayed steady in the top 4 grossing films daily, not just the weekend. What seemed like an average indie horror – usually quick to exit and enter theatrical release – has somehow become a little movie that could. Word of mouth and media attention for Curry Barker as a young director (along side BACKROOMS' Kane Parsons) has kept fans going back for multiple screenings.
OBSESSION is a darkly humorous and disturbing psychological horror. It's got an unlikeable main character and the friend group of side characters isn't always reliable or supportive. We also have Nikki, the unfortunate object of Bear's obsession, who serves as both an antagonist and a victim of Bear's poor decision-making. Themes include power dynamics of romantic relationships, be careful what you wish for, and toxic relationships.
So after you watch the short that Curry Barker acknowledges inspired OBSESSION, which is the Monkey's Paw portion of THE SIMPSONS TREEHOUSE OF HORROR II, what should you watch next?
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| Zoe Kazan as RUBY in RUBY SPARKS |
RUBY SPARKS (2012) directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris
Calvin (Paul Dano) is suffering from writer's block, until he imagines his dream girl named Ruby (Zoe Kazan). Upon suggestion from his therapist, he writes story about Ruby, and she appears in his apartment. All seems right . . . until Ruby begins to have a life of her own. Try RUBY SPARKS if you want to see another film about how love grows toxic when control enters the picture.
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| Max von Sydow as LELAND GAUNT, Shane Meier as BRIAN RUSK in NEEDFUL THINGS |
NEEDFUL THINGS (1993), directed by Fraser S. Heston
The mysterious Leland Gaunt (Max von Sydow) moves to Castle Rock and opens an antique store. The shop contains items of great value to the residents of the town. But owning their heart's desire comes with unexpected consequences. Try NEEDFUL THINGS if you enjoyed the trope of finding buried treasure at a trinket shop. Tip: The longer television cut is considered the better viewing experience.
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| Sophie Thatcher as IRIS in COMPANION |
COMPANION (2025), directed by Drew Hancock
Iris (Sophie Thatcher) is completely in love with her boyfriend, Josh (Jack Quaid). But is their love real? A fun getaway at a lake house reveals the sinister truth about Iris's adoration of Josh. Try COMPANION for a technology-infused take on the kind of bad romance that Nikki and Bear have.
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| [L-R] Ingrid Bergman as PAULA, Joseph Cotton as BRIAN CAMERON in GASLIGHT |
GASLIGHT (1944), directed by George Cukor
After recovering from the death of her aunt, Paula (Ingrid Bergman) moves to Italy to be an opera star and falls in love with Gregory (Charles Boyer). Her attempts to move past her tragic back story and enjoy married life are thwarted by her anxiety that she is descending into madness. While not a clear surface-level match for OBSESSION, viewers may find the two movies create a similar experience as we see characters unable to wake up from a nightmare akin to mental torture.
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| Eugenie Derouand as EVA ROUSSEL in THE ADVENT CALENDAR |
THE ADVENT CALENDAR (2021), directed by Patrick Ridremont
In this French-language horror film, Eva, a former dancer now paraplegic, receives an antique wooden advent calendar with a strict set of rules and a promise to fulfill her most longed-for wish. Eva continues to follow the instruction, even as the results of doing so grow increasingly violent. Try THE ADVENT CALENDAR for a holiday-themed exploration of the adage "be careful what you wish for."
Which of these will you watch next? Let me know in the comments if you try any of these or what movie you want me to find recommendations for next.
Find the whole series.
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