We're Terrible at Knowing What's Best For Us | Obsession (2025) Review

Obsession (2026) Poster

Obsession (2025) is this summer’s most surprising film.

Here's why:

First, it cost only $750,000 to make and brought in 500 million dollars worldwide. Take a moment and read those numbers again!

Further, what makes it incredible is that a 27 year old named Curry Baker wrote and directed this film, and it’s remarkably well-crafted.

The story is about a young man who's in love with a girl, but he's too shy to share his feelings. Instead, he purchases a "One Wish Willow" and wishes that she'd love him more than anything in the world. He's granted his wish . . . and it goes terribly bad from there. 

This is not a new storyline. Movies like Big (1988) or famous short stories like "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs follow similar plotlines. But this film’s cautionary message hit me hard: Human beings are terrible at judging what we really want and what’s best for us. The fallen heart often longs for things that will bring destruction. It's an argument for trusting God knows all things and is the embodiment of true, good, and beautiful. 

I've had time to reflect on this film and two things come to mind: 

First, I’m worried about young Curry Baker’s next film. Constraints actually lead to creativity. I call it The Michelangelo Principle. And, unfortunately, I predict that Hollywood will throw millions of dollars at Curry, and this will lead to future films which are less creative and impactful.

Finally, this is a horror film. It's not terribly scary but there is language, violence, and sexuality. Sadly, I cannot recommend the film, despite how compelling it's message may be. Here's a case in which Curry could still learn from Alfred Hitchcock (and the biblical writers) - you don't have to show everything to make your point!

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Dane Bundy

Dane Bundy is President of Stage & Story and Director of Fine Arts at Regents School of Austin.