Obsession
I am genuinely running out of words. What an absolute masterpiece. I'm honestly debating whether this is my favorite film of 2026 so far. I went in with sky high expectations, and somehow it surpassed every single one of them.
On a technical level, this is astonishing. The composition is outstanding, but what really blew me away was Curtis' use of light and shadow. Every frame feels meticulously crafted, and the way the darkness is used, especially around Inde, creates some of the most unsettling imagery I've seen in years. The score is phenomenal as well, always arriving at exactly the right moment to elevate the tension without overwhelming it.
Then there's the acting. What Inde delivers here belongs in the same conversation as Jessie Buckley in Hamnet. It is the kind of performance that deserves to be studied. The way she communicates pure terror through nothing but subtle expressions, how she can switch from horrifying to completely natural or even funny within a second, is unbelievable. Her physical performance deserves just as much praise. Every movement sent chills down my spine, and by the end I couldn't take my eyes off her.
Michael Johnston is also fantastic. He perfectly captures someone who is terrified of taking the next step, constantly making the wrong decisions despite wanting to do the right thing. He frustrated me so many times throughout the film, which only proves how convincing the performance is. Megan Lawless and Cooper Tomlinson are excellent supporting players as well, giving the story exactly the support it needs while helping the emotional stakes keep rising.
The story is what truly makes this unforgettable. Beneath the horror lies one of the most devastating portrayals of a deeply codependent relationship I've seen. As the horror becomes more intense, my sympathy for Nikki grew even faster. By the final act I wasn't just scared, I felt emotionally crushed. The film suffocates you with dread and heartbreak at the same time, and it never relies on cheap jump scares to achieve it. This is exactly the kind of horror I love.
I honestly hope this film gets serious awards attention because this level of craftsmanship doesn't come around often. Without question one of the very best films of the year, and I already know I'll be watching it again in theaters.