Increasingly, indie horror films are making their way from the margins of the genre into the mainstream. We’ve seen it happen with Danny and Michael Philippou’s Talk to Me and Zach Cregger’s Weapons (which won Amy Madigan an Oscar earlier this year). But now the internet has a new horror obsession (pun very much intended) – an unsettling psychological horror film from Curry Barker called Obsession.
It premiered back in 2025 at the Toronto International Film Festival as part of its Midnight Madness block – but it’s finally gotten its wider cinematic release, and already has a Letterbox review rating akin to that of Interstellar. Leading lady Inde Navarrette pulls off some of the most intense and superb acting we’ve seen this year – and we expect her star will only grow.
So if you’ve already seen it in cinemas and need a re-watch, or if you simply need to see the horror film in the comfort of your own home (with the light switch only mere millimetres away) – you might be wondering where to do so. Well, we’ve got you covered with all the details below.
When and where can I stream and rent it?
The film is now able to be rented on-demand through Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube Movies in Australia. Rental prices are between $20-30AUD.
It is not yet on available to stream in Australia on Netflix, Stan, Disney+, Binge or any other streaming service.
An official date for when it will be included with a streaming subscription hasn’t been announced yet (as of 7 July 2026).
Where can I see it in cinemas?
The film’s theatrical release was extended due to its unexpected box office success.
You can find local session times and book tickets at major theatre chains and independent cinemas across the country:
Is there going to be an Obsession sequel?
Across multiple interviews and sources, Barker has discussed the idea of an Obsession sequel. Barker elaborated to Deadline, “I obviously have a couple more things that I’m excited about next, but I do see Obsession 2, maybe. Or even what really is exciting to me is maybe an anthology, like a one-hour episode.”
“I have such a cool idea for it that I won’t say,” Barker also told The Hollywood Reporter. “I’m not saying it has to be five, six years from now. But I think people would be just as excited for it if it came a little down the road. It’s a whirlwind and I’m trying to figure it out.”
What is the film about?
Obsession follows Bear, a lonely romantic who uses a mysterious One Wish Willow to make his childhood crush Nikki fall in love with him. While the wish initially appears to work, it soon unleashes a far darker and more dangerous version of Nikki, turning Bear’s dream relationship into a supernatural nightmare.
Why is Obsession listed as “Unrated” on Apple TV?
If you’ve spotted an “Unrated” version of Obsession on Apple TV, you’re not alone. The label has sparked plenty of speculation among horror fans, with many wondering whether there’s an extended cut featuring extra scenes or a bloodier ending.
The short answer? No. Despite the “Unrated” tag, there isn’t a separate version of the film. The copy available to rent or buy on Apple TV is the exact same 108-minute theatrical release that’s available across other digital platforms. It appears the “Unrated” label is simply a quirk of Apple’s listing rather than a sign of new footage or a director’s cut.
What are the reviews saying about Obsession?
With an impressive average rating of 4.2 out of 5 across 261k viewers on Letterboxd, it’s one of the highest-rated horror films on the platform. Over on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s scored a healthy ‘Fresh’ rating at 94%.
Who is in the cast?
Inde Navarrette as Nikki Freeman
The breakout performance in Obsession belongs to Inde Navarrette, who plays Nikki – the mysterious woman at the centre of the film. Previously seen in 13 Reasons Why and Superman & Lois, Navarrette has earned widespread praise for bringing emotional depth and intensity to the role, with some critics already tipping her as an awards contender.
Although she isn’t a self-confessed horror fan, Navarrette prepared by studying iconic performances from Pearl, Midsommar and Get Out. Her goal was to portray Nikki as someone driven by overwhelming emotion, creating a character who feels as sympathetic as she is terrifying.
Michael Johnston as Bear Bailey
Michael Johnston stars as Bear, a record store employee whose life spirals after making a wish that comes with devastating consequences. Johnston is also known for his roles in Teen Wolf and his extensive voice acting work.
The supporting cast:
- Cooper Tomlinson as Ian
- Megan Lawless as Sarah Harper
- Andy Richter as Carter Harper
- Haley Fitzgerald as Viola
- Darin Toonder as Harry
- Curry Barker as the voice of the One Wish Willow customer service representative.
Who is Obsession director Curry Barker?
At just 26 years old, Curry Barker has gone from making YouTube videos to becoming one of Hollywood’s most exciting new horror directors. The writer, director and editor of Obsession first built an audience through his sketch comedy channel, That’s A Bad Idea, before pivoting into horror filmmaking alongside longtime collaborator Cooper Tomlinson.
His breakout film was an $800 horror
Before Obsession, Barker wrote, directed, edited, scored and starred in the found-footage horror film Milk & Serial. Made for just $800USD, the feature was released for free on YouTube in 2024 and quickly became a cult favourite, helping put Barker on Hollywood’s radar.
Obsession was his sophomore horror outing
Barker’s follow-up, Obsession, premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival before being picked up by Focus Features in a multimillion-dollar deal. Produced on a micro-budget of around $750,00o, the film became one of 2026’s biggest box-office success stories thanks to extraordinary word of mouth. It even achieved the rare feat of earning more in its third weekend than its second – something industry observers have compared to the theatrical run of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in 1982.
He’s part of a new gen of YouTube filmmakers
Barker’s rise comes alongside fellow internet creator Kane Parsons, whose A24 Backrooms film has become another major horror success. Together, they’re helping usher in a new wave of filmmakers who built audiences online before making the leap to studio-backed feature films, proving that YouTube is increasingly becoming a launchpad for Hollywood’s next generation of horror auteurs.
His next film references Obsession
Barker has already completed his next original horror film about fake ghost hunters, Anything But Ghosts, starring Aaron Paul and Bryce Dallas Howard. While the film is neither a direct prequel nor sequel to Obsession, it appears to exist within the same universe, with director Barker confirming the return of the One Wish Willow and teasing a subtle connection through a news report referencing a triple homicide.
He’s also resurrecting Texas Chainsaw Massacre
and is also attached to write and direct A24’s new take on The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. With two major studio projects already in the pipeline, Obsession looks less like a one-off success and more like the beginning of a major directing career.
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