Bear, a shy music store clerk, breaks a novelty wishing toy and wishes his crush Nikki would love him more than anyone. She does, in a way that turns terrifying and can't be undone. Barker made it on a small budget, so watch how framing, makeup and a bleak sense of humor do the scary work.
Obsession is a 2025 horror and fantasy film directed by Curry Barker. This breakdown covers 4 techniques (2 narrative, 1 psychology and 1 cinematography), each with the scene where you can see it. If you like how it is made, Hannibal uses several of the same techniques.
Building the whole plot on one character's fixation with a person, goal or rival. Every scene ties back to it, and the obsession keeps feeding itself while it destroys them.
How this film uses it
Every scene grows from the wish. Nikki's love has no off switch, so each new scene shows her fixation going further. You are stuck watching the one thing Bear asked for ruin his life.
Where to see it
The duct-taped door. Nikki tapes the front door shut, and customer service tells Bear the wish can't be changed and lasts until he dies.
Making something familiar look slightly wrong, like an ordinary house or face that feels off. The dread comes from that strangeness, with no obvious threat on screen.
How this film uses it
Nikki looks like the person Bear loves, and something is slightly wrong. The film used practical makeup and Inde Navarrette's own screams and physical changes, with no CGI or AI. Because it is a real person doing odd things, you can't write it off as a special effect.
Where to see it
The kiss. After the wish, Nikki moves in, but when she and Bear kiss, she screams and pulls away.
Mixing several genres in 1 film, such as crime, romance, horror and absurd comedy. The clash between them keeps you from settling into a single way of watching.
How this film uses it
The film plays like a romance, a horror movie and a dark comedy at once. Jokes keep you off balance so the sudden cruelty hits harder. You laugh and then feel bad about laughing.
Where to see it
Ian's wish. Ian wishes for a billion dollars, and cash rains from the ceiling.
Placing a character dead center with too much empty space above their head. The frame feels slightly wrong and exposed, so you sense unease before anything happens.
How this film uses it
Barker and cinematographer Taylor Clemons 3D-scanned locations to plan shots, and they used center-composed frames with extra headroom to feel uncomfortable. Nothing in the picture looks broken. The odd balance just makes ordinary rooms feel watched.
Where to see it
The Jenga drinking game at the party. Nikki recites a violent retelling of Hansel and Gretel.
Questions
Obsession: quick answers
What filmmaking techniques does Obsession use?
CineCode breaks down 4 techniques in Obsession (2025): Obsession as Structural Engine, Uncanny, Genre Collage and Centered Headroom Framing.
Who directed Obsession?
Curry Barker directed Obsession, released in 2025.
What films are similar to Obsession?
Films that share techniques with Obsession include Hannibal (2001), Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993), Strange Days (1995), Mulholland Drive (2001).
Is there a video breakdown of Obsession?
Yes. There is a short video breakdown of Obsession on the CineCode YouTube channel, embedded on this page.
