New Release Review Roundup
What critics are saying about Obsession (2026)
Obsession is a horror film released on **May 29, 2026**, and critics are already calling it one of the creepiest and most impactful horror movies of the year. Reviewers are especially impressed by the film’s unsettling tone, dark humor, and standout performances from **Inde Navarrette** and **Michael Johnston**.
The story follows a shy young man who makes a wish that his crush will fall in love with him, only to discover that some desires come at a dark and sinister price. This wish-gone-wrong premise is turned into a disturbing, genre-blending horror experience that critics say feels fresh and genuinely scary.
Key critic highlights
| Critic | Source | Rating | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evelyn Lau | The National (UAE) | 4.5/5 | Called it disturbing, thought-provoking, and one of the year’s best genre releases. |
| Timothy Lee | Geeks of Color | 9/10 | Said it was one of the best horror movies he had seen in the past five years. |
| Meagan Navarro | Bloody Disgusting | 4/5 skulls | Described it as one freaky movie mixing dark humor with multiple scare tactics. |
| Frank Scheck | The Hollywood Reporter | Positive | Praised the film as a fresh spin on the wish-fulfillment formula. |
| Nick Schager | The Daily Beast | Positive | Called it a curdled stew of nastiness with grim laughs and shocking horror. |
| Chris Bumbray | JoBlo | 8/10 | Called it a slam-bang indie horror gem. |
| Ty Burr | Ty Burr’s Watch List | 2.5/4 | Thought the ending did not fully stick the landing, but still found it discussion-worthy. |
Expert reviews by critic
Evelyn Lau, The National (UAE)
Evelyn Lau gave Obsession a 4.5/5 rating and described it as “disturbing, thought-provoking and anchored by excellent performances,” calling it one of the year’s best genre releases. Her review highlights the film’s emotional impact and strong acting as key reasons it stands out among recent horror movies.
Timothy Lee, Geeks of Color
Timothy Lee rated the film 9/10 and called it one of the best horror movies he had seen in the past five years. He also said Inde Navarrette’s performance genuinely left him terrified, reinforcing the idea that the acting is central to the movie’s effectiveness.
Meagan Navarro, Bloody Disgusting
Meagan Navarro rated the film 4/5 skulls and called it “one freaky movie,” praising how it blends scare tactics with dark humor to keep viewers uneasy and engaged. She highlighted Navarrette’s “potently nightmarish” performance as a major strength.
Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter
Frank Scheck praised Obsession for offering a fresh spin on the wish-fulfillment formula and described the experience as “so fun and so disturbing.” His review suggests the film works as both brutal horror and entertaining, sharply controlled genre cinema.
Nick Schager, The Daily Beast
Nick Schager described the movie as “a curdled stew of nastiness,” with grim laughs that hit nearly as hard as the horror. His response captures the film’s appeal for viewers who like horror that feels ugly, mean, and darkly funny at the same time.
Chris Bumbray, JoBlo
Chris Bumbray gave the film 8/10 and called it “a slam-bang indie horror gem,” arguing that it should put Inde Navarrette on the map. He also noted Michael Johnston’s performance keeps his character recognizably human despite deeply unlikable turns.
Ty Burr, Ty Burr’s Watch List
Ty Burr offered a more mixed take, rating the movie 2.5/4 and writing that the film “doesn’t quite stick the landing,” rolling rather than racing to its finish. Even so, he said the ending still gives audiences enough to argue over afterward.
Critical consensus & release details
The overall critical response describes Obsession as disturbing, amusing, and thrilling, turning an ugly wish-fulfillment idea into something crowd-pleasing and genuinely unsettling. The film premiered at the **Toronto International Film Festival** before its theatrical release on **May 29, 2026**, and IGN India called it one of the creepiest horror films of 2026.
Directed by **Curry Barker**, the movie stars **Inde Navarrette**, **Michael Johnston**, **Inde Navarrette**, **Cooper Tomlinson**, **Megan Lawless**, and **Andy Richter**. Reviewers across multiple outlets are especially impressed by how much fear and tension Navarrette brings to the screen.
