Obsession Teaser Unveils Chilling Twist on a Wish Gone Wrong

The much-anticipated psychological thriller 'Obsession' has released its first teaser, offering a glimpse into a story that has already set tongues wagging since its Toronto International Film Festival debut last September. The film, which currently boasts a remarkable 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, has quickly become a talking point among genre enthusiasts, many of whom have been eagerly awaiting a wider release.

In the newly unveiled teaser, viewers are introduced to Bear, portrayed by Michael Johnston, who finds himself in a shadowy car, nervously making a phone call. The exchange is laced with unease.

"What's up?"

comes the indifferent greeting from the other end. Bear, clearly unsettled, responds,

"I was calling to see if there was any way I could alter a wish?"

The voice on the line, detached yet oddly menacing, offers,

"Would you like to cancel your wish?"

Bear, flustered, insists he only wants to make a few changes, not revoke it entirely.

The conversation grows more cryptic as the mysterious voice explains,

"I'm sorry, we don't really do that. If you have any questions about how the wish works or if you read the back of the box..."

Bear, his voice barely above a whisper, asks,

"Is it even real? Is her love... real?"

The reply is chilling:

"Just because you chose this for her doesn't make it less real."

The teaser ends abruptly, leaving a lingering sense of dread and curiosity.

Festival Buzz and Critical Acclaim

Written and directed by Curry Barker, known for 'Milk & Serial', the film has already earned a place as the second highest-rated horror title of 2025 on Letterboxd. For context, Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' leads the list, with 'The Plague', 'It Ends', and Zach Cregger's 'Weapons' rounding out the top five. The early acclaim has only heightened anticipation for its general release.

While the teaser evokes echoes of 'It Follows' and the unsettling atmosphere of Stephen King's 'I Know What You Need', Barker has revealed that his inspiration came from an unexpected source: an episode of 'The Simpsons' in which Bart acquires a monkey paw, unleashing chaos. This blend of dark whimsy and psychological tension appears to set 'Obsession' apart from its contemporaries.

Cast, Release, and What to Expect

Joining Johnston in the cast are Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, and Megan Lawless, each bringing their own dynamic to the film's tense narrative. The story centres on a music shop employee whose seemingly innocent wish quickly spirals into something far more sinister, challenging notions of desire and consequence.

'Obsession' is set to arrive in US cinemas on 15 May 2026, with Universal Pictures UK confirming a simultaneous release in British theatres. The film's unique premise and early praise suggest it will be a standout in the coming year's horror offerings.

Anticipation for Upcoming Horror

As audiences look forward to 'Obsession', the conversation around the most notable horror releases of 2025 continues. Titles such as 'The Conjuring: Last Rites', 'Weapons', '28 Years Later', 'Final Destination Bloodlines', and 'Sinners' have all sparked debate among fans about which film has delivered the most memorable scares so far.