Obsession Trailer Unveils a Twisted Horror-Comedy for 2026
Focus Features has dropped the first teaser for 'Obsession,' a horror-comedy set to premiere in theaters on May 15, 2026. The film, praised for its unique blend of scares and laughs, is already earning rave reviews for its bold style and standout performances.
One of the most buzzed-about horror thrillers of next year has just revealed its first official look, and it promises a wild ride. From the mind behind the unsettling YouTube hit Milk & Serial comes a fresh story about the dark side of getting exactly what you wish for. The new film, Obsession, directed and written by Curry Barker, is set to arrive in theaters on May 15, 2026, courtesy of Focus Features.
Obsession has already made waves with critics, boasting a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Early reviews call it a blend of "nightmare fuel" and sharp comedy, setting it apart from typical genre fare. The teaser introduces viewers to a young man who stumbles upon a mystical "One Wish Willow"—a mysterious object that grants a single wish. He uses it to win over his crush, but soon starts to question whether their feelings are genuine or the result of something much darker. As the trailer hints, things quickly spiral into chaos.
Cast and Creative Team
The film features a talented ensemble, including Michael Johnston (My Oni Girl), Inde Navarrette (Superman and Lois), Cooper Tomlinson (Treasure Trackers), Megan Lawless (The Hate U Give), and Andy Richter (Conan). Curry Barker, who previously made his feature debut with Milk & Serial and directed shorts like Striking Gold and The Chair, both wrote and directed Obsession. The project is produced by Christian Mercuri, James Harris, Mark Lane, and Roman Viaris.
The official synopsis sets the stage for a chilling tale:
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.
Critical Acclaim and Festival Buzz
Though Curry Barker may be familiar to horror fans from his online work, critics believe Obsession will introduce him to a much wider audience. Matt Donato, writing for IGN, called the film "addictive sour Valentine’s Day counterprogramming" and predicted it would establish Barker as a must-watch filmmaker in the genre.
Following its screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, Geek Vibes Nation described Obsession as "one of the biggest standouts" of the event, highlighting Navarrette’s "incredible performance" and Barker’s "confident direction and writing." The film’s ability to juggle horror and humor has also drawn praise. Germain Lussier of io9 noted that the movie had him "laughing out loud" at times, while other moments left him "legitimately terrified."
Dark Humor and a Standout Finale
One of the film’s most talked-about qualities is its seamless mix of dark comedy and genuine scares. Alex Papaioannou from InSession Film was especially impressed by how Barker brings everything together for a memorable ending:
With its deeply dark sense of humor, the final moments of this film will leave genre fans walking out of the theater eagerly anticipating Barker’s next foray into genre filmmaking.
Obsession is set for release on September 6, 2025, with a runtime of 108 minutes. The cast includes Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, and Megan Lawless, promising a fresh take on horror that’s sure to get audiences talking.