A film like Obsession, with its well-executed scares, great performances, and gut-wrenching subject matter, is difficult to judge. On the one hand, there’s no denying the talent involved and the quality of filmmaking on display. It’s a very well-made movie that any horror fan is going to enjoy. Yet, it’s impossible to pretend that the film is easy to watch. The premise of the film revolves around emotional manipulation, toxic relationships, and consent, and the story pulls no punches. For good or ill, this is not a film that glosses over the horribleness of its own premise.

The story told is that of Bear (Michael Johnston), a twenty-something music store clerk who has feelings for his co-worker, Nikki (Inde Navarrette). Unable to summon the courage to ask his crush out, Bear wishes on a novelty “One Wish Willow” toy that Nikki will love him more than anyone in the world. To his shock, his wish comes true. He and Nikki immediately begin a relationship, but Bear slowly realizes that his wish might have terrible consequences, and the person he’s dating may not even really be Nikki anymore.

It would have been easy for writer/director Curry Barker to take that story and make Obsession into a stereotypical monster or possession movie. Bear could have been a sympathetic protagonist or victim. However, that’s not the direction Barker goes in, and the film is better for it. Instead, the movie goes out of its way to make it clear that the situation he finds himself in is his fault, and the people around him are suffering thanks to his decisions. Bear is neither hero nor victim, and I applaud the film for making that choice.

From a technical standpoint, Barker and his crew also deserve a ton of praise. The film is exceptionally well-shot. In particular, I really enjoyed how well shadows were used throughout the movie. There are several scenes that end up being creepy and off-putting entirely because someone’s face is obscured in shadow at just the right time. Barker is clearly a filmmaker who pays attention to small details. The script is also excellent, with very little wasted time or dialogue.

The star, however, is Navarrette. Not only does she fully commit to the slowly deteriorating mental state of Nikki, but she also brings a brilliant physical presence to her performance. She is capable of being scary with little more than a smile and a series of jerky movements. It is an impressive performance that will probably go underrated.

The focus on Bear and Nikki does end up leaving the other characters out to dry a bit, and when the blood finally starts flowing it’s very difficult to be upset about anyone’s death. There are hints that everyone else might be interesting, but we just don’t get enough to really care. It would have been great to flesh out the cast a bit more and I think it would have really helped sell the insane final act better.

It’s hard to complain too much, though, about a film that sets out to be relentlessly uncomfortable and achieves that in spades. If you’re looking for a fun time at the theater, I can’t say that this film is going to be that. However, if you want a powerful, thrilling, edge-of-your-seat horror that is well-made and stays with you long after you finish it, Obsession will grant your wish.