‹ All movies

The Rewatchables ·

Obsession

year 2026decade 20sdirector Curry Barkergenre Horrorgenre Fantasy
host Bill Simmonshost Chris Ryanhost Joanna Robinsonproducer Craig Horlbeck
All 35 categories

The film

Obsession (2026)

Directed by Curry Barker · Horror

109 minutes

IMDb Find on JustWatch Find on Rotten Tomatoes
Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Andy Richter Carter
Curry Barker One Wish Willow customer service representative (voice)

Everything from the episode

In the order the hosts got to it. Open a row for the discussion.

50:46

Most Rewatchable Scene

Opening diner; Barker’s Pub; the wish; boys’ night; Sarah’s death; dinner; bedroom corner.

Opening diner; Barker’s Pub; the wish; boys’ night; Sarah’s death; dinner; bedroom corner.

In the discussion (13)
Approx. transcript time · 00:50:46Read transcript
  • The opening diner scene is proposed for establishing Bear quickly.
  • Barker’s Pub and its group dynamics are proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • Bear and Nikki outside the bar, including the wish, are proposed.
  • The cat memorial and Nikki staring at Bear and Ian are proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • The brief romantic-comedy montage is proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • Nikki’s unnatural movement and hiding in the bedroom corner are proposed.
  • The duct-taped house, frozen smile, bodily accident, and dead-cat sandwich sequence is proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • Boys’ night, the Hansel and Gretel monologue, and the kiss-left command are proposed.
  • Bear and Sarah’s dinner and Sarah’s violent death are proposed.
  • Ian’s billion-dollar wish is proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • Breaking the wish and Nikki’s return are proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • The dinner sequence is an explicit final choice. — Chris Ryan
  • The phone call that uses a false cancer diagnosis is proposed. — Chris Ryan
Share this discussion More Most Rewatchable Scene answers
52:46

“OK, Motherfucker” Award for When the Movie Goes Up a Notch

Nikki silently staring down Bear and Ian after the cat memorial.

Nikki silently staring down Bear and Ian after the cat memorial.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:52:46Read transcript
  • Nikki staring at Bear and Ian after the cat memorial is selected. — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More “OK, Motherfucker” Award for When the Movie Goes Up a Notch answers
58:33

The most 2026 thing

A filmmaker emerging from YouTube; the music store’s staffing.

A filmmaker emerging from YouTube; the music store’s staffing.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 00:58:33Read transcript
  • A director emerging from YouTube is selected as emblematic of 2026.
  • Four people working in a music store is proposed as least characteristic of 2026.
  • Young adults lingering in their hometown after high school are proposed as contemporary.
  • Castle’s Music sharing a location associated with Wayne’s World is discussed.
Share this discussion More The most "year the movie came out" thing answers
59:12

Gandolfini Butter on My Ass So It Pops in My Mouth Award

Young adults bumming around a small town; a movie that changes genre expectations.

Young adults bumming around a small town; a movie that changes genre expectations.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:12Read transcript
  • Post-high-school friends bumming around a small town are selected as an enjoyable element. — Chris Ryan
  • The movie initially appearing to be one kind of story before changing is selected. — Joanna Robinson
Share this discussion More Gandolfini Butter on My Ass So It Pops in My Mouth Award answers
1:00:59

What’s Aged the Best?

The economical production; Indy Navarrette’s switches; dense visual details; the retained ending.

The economical production; Indy Navarrette’s switches; dense visual details; the retained ending.

In the discussion (18)
Approx. transcript time · 01:00:59Read transcript
  • An old-style Memorial Day box-office weekend is praised. — Bill Simmons
  • The no-no-no montage is praised despite its obvious Get Out debt. — Bill Simmons
  • Ian reading as a bad friend becomes clearer on rewatch. — Bill Simmons
  • The production’s tiny scale and polished result are praised.
  • Indy Navarrette’s switches between normal and possessed Nikki are praised. — Chris Ryan
  • The shower shutting off after boys’ night is announced is praised as a small detail. — Chris Ryan
  • Bear dying in a way that mirrors his cat is praised. — Chris Ryan
  • The magic figure and voodoo doll in the wish shop are retained as possible franchise clues. — Bill Simmons
  • The upside-down Art of Seduction book is retained as a visual joke. — Bill Simmons
  • Bear’s search history is retained as character detail. — Bill Simmons
  • Sarah consistently staged to Bear’s left and Nikki to his right is proposed as a visual pattern, with intent left uncertain. — Bill Simmons
  • Nikki eating only when Bear eats is proposed as a pattern. — Bill Simmons
  • The television showing video of Bear sleeping is retained as an Easter egg. — Bill Simmons
  • The romance montage appearing long while covering about two days is retained.
  • An unused tragic ending in which Nikki kills herself after breaking free is reported; the released ending is preferred. — Bill Simmons
  • A possible anthology about other wishes is reported.
  • Nikki’s confused turn after the wish was reportedly an actor mistake retained in the film. — Bill Simmons
  • Christopher Nolan’s praise for the film is reported. — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More What’s Aged the Best? answers
1:07:34

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

Nikki behind Bear in the restaurant; red-dress silhouette; bedroom corner.

Nikki behind Bear in the restaurant; red-dress silhouette; bedroom corner.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:07:34Read transcript
  • Nikki emerging behind Bear during the restaurant phone call is selected.
  • Nikki arriving in the red dress with her face in shadow and eyes visible is selected.
  • Nikki concealed in the bedroom corner is selected. — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot answers
1:09:16

The Slow Ride / Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness Award for Best Needle Drop

Nikki feeding a homeless man while Bear searches online.

Nikki feeding a homeless man while Bear searches online.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:09:16Read transcript
  • The needle drop over Nikki feeding a homeless man and Bear searching online is selected. — Joanna Robinson
Share this discussion More The Slow Ride / Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness Award for Best Needle Drop answers
1:09:30

Chest Rockwell / Brock Landers Award for Best Character Name

Baron “Bear” Bailey; Nikki Freeman.

Baron “Bear” Bailey; Nikki Freeman.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:09:30Read transcript
Share this discussion More Chest Rockwell / Brock Landers Award for Best Character Name answers
1:10:14

The Big Kahuna Burger Award for Best Use of Food and Drink

The dead-cat sandwich.

The dead-cat sandwich.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:14Read transcript
Share this discussion More The Big Kahuna Burger Award for Best Use of Food and Drink answers
1:10:43

When I Would Have Died

The dead-cat sandwich; Nikki hiding in the bedroom; Sarah checking on Nikki.

The dead-cat sandwich; Nikki hiding in the bedroom; Sarah checking on Nikki.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:43Read transcript
  • The dead-cat sandwich is selected as one imagined death point. — Bill Simmons
  • Discovering Nikki hidden in the bedroom corner is selected as a heart-attack scenario. — Bill Simmons
  • Sarah checking on Nikki early and being killed is selected as another imagined death point.
Share this discussion More When I Would Have Died answers
1:11:28

Is There a Better Title for This Movie?

No — Obsession

No — Obsession

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:28Read transcript
  • Make a Wish and Darling Nikki are proposed. — Joanna Robinson
  • The Bear and One Wish Willow are proposed.
  • Obsession is defended as the better marketable title.
  • Wish, Bear Sucks, and No Piña Coladas are proposed.
Share this discussion More Is There a Better Title for This Movie? answers
1:12:33

Sean Fennessey Award for Stealth Homage That Gives Every Movie Nerd a Criterion Orgasm

Nikki’s movement as an homage to Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Pulse.

Nikki’s movement as an homage to Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Pulse.

Flex pick · Chris Ryan

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:12:33Read transcript
  • Nikki’s possessed movement is compared with the haunted movement in Pulse. — Chris Ryan
Share this discussion More Sean Fennessey Award for Stealth Homage That Gives Every Movie Nerd a Criterion Orgasm answers
1:13:11

The most GIFable moment

The no-no-no sequence and Nikki’s frown.

The no-no-no sequence and Nikki’s frown.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:13:11Read transcript
  • Nikki’s face after the kiss-left command is proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • The repeated no-no-no sequence is proposed.
  • Bear turning Nikki’s head back toward the screen is proposed.
  • Nikki’s frown is judged the best option.
Share this discussion More The most GIFable moment answers
1:14:01

The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film

Ian’s performance; Nikki screaming through the wish-service call.

Ian’s performance; Nikki screaming through the wish-service call.

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 01:14:01Read transcript
  • The performance of Ian is proposed as capable of improvement.
  • Ian being written as a dirtbag is offered as a defense of the performance. — Chris Ryan
  • Nikki screaming through the wish-service call is criticized as unnecessary.
  • The screaming is defended as evidence of her entrapment and of Bear’s moral obligation.
  • The scene is said to work without the screaming. — Joanna Robinson
  • The screaming is retained by a two-to-one vote, with Craig explicitly supporting it. — Craig Horlbeck
Share this discussion More The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film answers
1:15:55

Ted Levine Award for a Performance So Good and Distinct That It May Have Ruined the Actor’s Career

Indy Navarrette.

Indy Navarrette.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:15:55Read transcript
  • Indy Navarrette is selected because the performance may make later roles difficult to separate from Nikki. — Bill Simmons
  • The panel also predicts that she can have a long career, keeping the career concern explicitly hypothetical. — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More Ted Levine Award for a Performance So Good and Distinct That It May Have Ruined the Actor’s Career answers
1:16:17

What’s Aged the Worst?

The MPAA ratings logic; a corporate logo; Van’s Twitter debate.

The MPAA ratings logic; a corporate logo; Van’s Twitter debate.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:17Read transcript
  • The Blumhouse logo added at the end is criticized as weird. — Bill Simmons
  • Requiring six fewer head smashes for an R rating is criticized as arbitrary. — Bill Simmons
  • Van’s Twitter discussion about the villain is proposed.
  • The first part allows a case that the protagonist thinks the wish may not have worked; his later behavior removes that ambiguity. — Craig Horlbeck
Share this discussion More What’s Aged the Worst? answers
1:20:02

Borat Sagdiyev Rancid Body Odor Award

Bear’s house.

Bear’s house.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:20:02Read transcript
  • Bear’s musty house is selected as something the panel imagines smelling through the screen.
  • The dead cat and bodily waste are cited as worsening the house.
Share this discussion More Borat Sagdiyev Rancid Body Odor Award answers
1:21:24

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Timothée Chalamet would elevate the film; Bear never loved or knew Nikki.

Timothée Chalamet would elevate the film; Bear never loved or knew Nikki.

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 01:21:24Read transcript
  • Casting the actor transcribed as “Shalamee” as Bear is claimed to elevate the movie dramatically. — Bill Simmons
  • Lucas Hedges is proposed as an alternative Bear.
  • Nikki’s lack of close friends who intervene is questioned. — Joanna Robinson
  • Sarah’s resentment toward Nikki is defended by the group’s romantic entanglements. — Joanna Robinson
  • Bear is argued never to have loved Nikki; he responds to status and the fulfilled wish rather than knowing her.
  • Nikki’s writing and shared history are offered as evidence that she has depth. — Joanna Robinson
Share this discussion More The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award answers
1:21:24

Casting What-Ifs

Timothée Chalamet, Lucas Hedges, Austin Abrams, or a young Casey Affleck as Bear; Boston as the setting.

Timothée Chalamet, Lucas Hedges, Austin Abrams, or a young Casey Affleck as Bear; Boston as the setting.

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:21:24Read transcript
Share this discussion More Casting What-Ifs answers
1:24:02

Picking Nits

Friends fail to intervene; injuries and police response; the cat sandwich; wish logic; Sarah’s timing and car.

Friends fail to intervene; injuries and police response; the cat sandwich; wish logic; Sarah’s timing and car.

In the discussion (17)
Approx. transcript time · 01:24:02Read transcript
  • Sarah telling Bear about Ian and Nikki is criticized as a calculated romantic move.
  • Bear failing to insist on treatment for Nikki’s bottle wounds is criticized. — Chris Ryan
  • The characters’ selfishness is offered as the general explanation for several nitpicks. — Chris Ryan
  • Bear still attending boys’ night after the alarming wish call is criticized. — Chris Ryan
  • Nobody calling police or intervening at the party is criticized.
  • The cat opening and consuming oxycodone is questioned.
  • The dead cat prop is criticized as visibly cheap, while avoiding an animated effect is defended.
  • Bear’s negligence is blamed for the cat’s death. — Bill Simmons
  • The cat belonging to Bear’s late grandmother is offered as a speculative reason for his lack of attachment. — Bill Simmons
  • The sandwich’s room-temperature handling, smell, and resemblance to turkey are questioned.
  • The house already smelling terrible is offered as an explanation for why Bear does not detect the sandwich.
  • Bear initially trying to alter rather than cancel the wish is criticized. — Bill Simmons
  • Nikki’s face is judged insufficiently injured after repeated bottle blows. — Bill Simmons
  • Sarah’s body prop is criticized as mannequin-like. — Bill Simmons
  • Disposal of Sarah’s car and the limited police presence are questioned.
  • Nikki’s ability to retrieve a gun, copy tattoos, and cut hair in time is questioned. — Joanna Robinson
  • Sarah’s middle-of-the-night meeting request is criticized as avoidable timing.
Share this discussion More Picking Nits answers
1:26:26

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Andy Richter.

Andy Richter.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:26:26Read transcript
Share this discussion More The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award answers
1:26:42

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

The male or female Crystal Shop employee.

The male or female Crystal Shop employee.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:26:42Read transcript
  • The male Crystal Shop employee is proposed.
  • The female Crystal Shop employee is proposed and preferred by another participant. — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance answers
1:28:01

Best Race Horse Name from This Movie

One Wish Willow.

One Wish Willow.

Flex pick · Craig Horlbeck

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:28:01Read transcript
Share this discussion More Best Race Horse Name from This Movie answers
1:28:14

Most Memorable Death by a Security Guard or Other Bystander

Sarah, the music-store employees, and the losses suffered by Sarah’s father.

Sarah, the music-store employees, and the losses suffered by Sarah’s father.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:28:14Read transcript
  • Sarah and all four music-store employees dying in one day are selected as consequential bystander deaths.
  • Sarah’s father losing both his daughter and his staff is emphasized.
  • A sequel about the father pursuing the aftermath or Ian’s money is proposed.
Share this discussion More Most Memorable Death by a Security Guard or Other Bystander answers
1:29:06

Half-Assed Internet Research

Filming locations; alternate opening; practical effects; casting chemistry.

Filming locations; alternate opening; practical effects; casting chemistry.

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 01:29:06Read transcript
  • Bear’s house in Burbank and Castle’s Music, the Green Man Crystal Shop, Barker’s Pub, and Little Tony’s are identified as filming locations. — Bill Simmons
  • Barker learning the limits of long takes during production is reported. — Bill Simmons
  • An alternate opening with Bear watching a romantic comedy beside his dead cat is reported.
  • A vomit-tube effect nearly made the actor vomit for real is reported. — Bill Simmons
  • Two Sarah dummies and a facial cast were used for the car death. — Bill Simmons
  • The leads’ lack of chemistry in an audition reportedly helped secure Michael Johnston’s role.
Share this discussion More Half-Assed Internet Research answers
1:32:01

Apex Mountain

Curry Barker and Indy Navarrette; make-a-wish horror; dead cats; ugly sweaters; drinking-game Jenga.

Curry Barker and Indy Navarrette; make-a-wish horror; dead cats; ugly sweaters; drinking-game Jenga.

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 01:32:01Read transcript
  • Everyone involved with the movie is proposed for an apex.
  • Obsession and Blair Witch are compared for independent-horror apex status.
  • Make-a-wish stories that backfire are proposed and rejected.
  • Hansel-and-Gretel erotica and dead cats are proposed.
  • Bear’s ugly sweaters are proposed.
  • Drinking-game Jenga is proposed.
Share this discussion More Apex Mountain answers
1:33:53

Cruise or Hanks?

Tom Hanks, specifically his Splash era, as Bear.

Tom Hanks, specifically his Splash era, as Bear.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:33:53Read transcript
Share this discussion More Cruise or Hanks? answers
1:34:01

Goldie Hawn / Sharon Stone / Cameron Diaz / Sandra Bullock / Scarlett Johansson / Sydney Sweeney Comparison

2004 Scarlett Johansson.

2004 Scarlett Johansson.

The panel proposes a new category here.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:34:01Read transcript
Share this discussion More Goldie Hawn / Sharon Stone / Cameron Diaz / Sandra Bullock / Scarlett Johansson / Sydney Sweeney Comparison answers
1:38:50

Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake

A prestige anthology series about different wishes.

A prestige anthology series about different wishes.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:38:50Read transcript
  • A prestige anthology in which each installment follows a different wish is endorsed.
  • A 1970s-set One Wish Willow period story is proposed. — Joanna Robinson
  • A sequel in which Ian survives and has the billion dollars is proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • The panel says another version is inevitable because there is too much money at stake. — Chris Ryan
Share this discussion More Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake answers
1:40:04

Is This Movie Better With…?

King Menelaus answering the wish-service call.

King Menelaus answering the wish-service call.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:40:04Read transcript
  • King Menelaus answering the customer-service line is selected. — Bill Simmons
  • Tony Romo is considered for the bit and then declined. — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More Is This Movie Better With…? answers
1:41:32

The Andy and Red – Zihuatanejo Award for What Happens the Next Day?

Nikki faces prison but possibly escapes with Ian’s billion dollars.

Nikki faces prison but possibly escapes with Ian’s billion dollars.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:41:32Read transcript
  • Nikki is expected to face a long prison sentence.
  • Nikki learning about and escaping with the billion dollars is proposed.
  • Facial reconstructive surgery is proposed as part of her aftermath. — Joanna Robinson
  • Nikki remembering the possession is reported as the reason she screams after returning. — Chris Ryan
Share this discussion More The Andy and Red – Zihuatanejo Award for What Happens the Next Day? answers
1:42:53

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Whether Nikki was possessed by the cat; the wish rules; the shop’s culpability; who finds Ian’s money.

Whether Nikki was possessed by the cat; the wish rules; the shop’s culpability; who finds Ian’s money.

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 01:42:53Read transcript
  • Two extreme statements are compared for which is crazier.
  • The panel asks “What would you wish for?” and debates safe wording and loopholes.
  • Whether Nikki was possessed by the cat is debated; the leading answer is no despite supporting clues. — Bill Simmons
  • Whether the saleswoman and Crystal Shop are morally complicit is debated. — Chris Ryan
  • The fate of other One Wish Willow buyers is questioned. — Bill Simmons
  • Who eventually finds Ian’s billion dollars is questioned.
Share this discussion More Probably Unanswerable Questions answers
1:47:12

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

Do not wish for someone to love you; friendship can be enough.

Do not wish for someone to love you; friendship can be enough.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:47:12Read transcript
  • Do not wish or pray for someone to fall in love with you is selected.
  • Accepting the friend zone and friendship is offered as the alternative lesson. — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson answers
1:47:24

Best Double Feature

Play Misty for Me; The Craft; Milk & Serial.

Play Misty for Me; The Craft; Milk & Serial.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:47:24Read transcript
  • Play Misty for Me is proposed for obsessive-relationship parallels.
  • The Craft is proposed for a love spell that produces obsession. — Joanna Robinson
  • Curry Barker’s Milk & Serial is proposed.
Share this discussion More Best Double Feature answers
1:48:07

Who Won the Movie?

Curry Barker and Indy Navarrette.

Curry Barker and Indy Navarrette.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:48:07Read transcript
  • Indy Navarrette is an explicit winner choice.
  • Curry Barker is an explicit winner choice and later receives renewed support.
  • The panel resists its no-ties convention because both careers could emerge from the movie.
  • Barker is predicted to have more room for a weak follow-up, while Navarrette’s next role is framed as higher risk.
Podcast choices
Speaker not identified
Indy Navarrette
Speaker not identified
Curry Barker
Share this discussion More Who Won the Movie? answers

More from the conversation

The panel repeatedly credits Indy Navarrette’s performance and Curry Barker’s economical production for the film’s impact.
Approx. transcript time · 00:22:06Read transcript
The discussion treats Bear’s entitlement and refusal to accept Nikki’s autonomy as the story’s central horror.
Approx. transcript time · 01:18:42Read transcript