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Everyone wants to be loved, but Obsession finds its horror in what happens when affection becomes more frightening than loneliness.

The film debuted in theaters May 15 and quickly gained attention on social media and major movie-rating sites. It earned a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, putting it among the highest-rated movies of 2026 so far.

Director Curry Barker is an American filmmaker, actor and comedian who first gained recognition through “That’s a Bad Idea,” the YouTube sketch-comedy duo he formed with Cooper Tomlinson. His creator-driven background helps give the film’s central relationship a realistic, relatable quality.

Michael Johnston stars as Bear Bailey alongside Inde Navarrette as Nikki Freeman. Though neither actor was widely recognized before the movie’s release, their performances are central to its unnerving atmosphere.

Bear is in love with his friend Nikki but struggles with confidence, leading him to make increasingly questionable choices. Johnston plays him as both relatable and frustrating, grounding those decisions in desperation and insecurity rather than simple selfishness.

Navarrette brings a warm but increasingly disturbing presence to Nikki. Her character gradually shifts from an openhearted friend into someone volatile, making each interaction between the pair more tense and unpredictable.

Rather than depending entirely on jump scares, Obsession creates fear through mood. Its music and lighting intensify the unease, while the chemistry between Johnston and Navarrette keeps the story stressful and compelling.

The film uses its unsettling premise to examine unhealthy attachment and the consequences of placing personal desires above the laws of nature. Strong lead performances and growing attention online and in theaters have helped make Obsession one of the year’s most discussed releases.