‘Obsession’ Almost Had an Ending that Would Have Changed Everything
Curry Barker‘s Obsession is currently in theaters and becoming audience’s new obsession. It’s already the first horror box office hit of the year, with rave reviews pouring in everywhere you look. The Monkey’s Paw-esque tale felt like an immediate classic to me while watching it this past weekend, shooting to the top of my favorite horror films of 2026 list with ease. Turns out, the film also had a very different ending once that might’ve changed how some feel about it.
MAJOR OBSESSION SPOILERS AHEAD
In an interview with THR, star Michael Johnston discussed his role in the film and his character’s personal journey. Buried in that was the fact that Obsession originally had a much darker ending in which Nikki (Inde Navarrette) dies alongside Bear. “There was a whole practical blood splatter. It was absolutely devastating, and it looked so real,” said Johnston.
Continued the actor, “After we filmed that, Curry said, “We’ve got to do a take where she lives, just to have it as backup.” I believe we only did one take. And Inde absolutely killed it, to the point where we all realized her surviving is so much more tragic. Because it just makes your mind wonder: Now what is going on to happen to her? Is she going to be arrested? It’s so awful. It’s so mean. This is such a mean movie, but I love it. It’s the signature Curry Barker style. It gives you some food for thought right at the end. We might be ending here, but this story is not over.”
Johnston is dead on here. While Nikki’s death would have fit just fine into Barker’s ruthless film, I can envision a universe where audiences would not have been happy with that. Like, at all. Nikki is very much a victim in Obsession, forced to love Bear thanks to his misguided wish and trapped in a literal hell. Having her live, though, feels more than earned. We, as the audience want only the best for Nikki. And Navarrette’s devastation once she’s woken from the spell…it really is the perfect capper to a perfect horror film.
Consider me as someone who’s grateful Barker decided on going with, well, not a happy ending, but a happier ending, I suppose.
In Obsession, after breaking the mysterious “One Wish Willow” to win his crush’s heart, a hopeless romantic (Johnston) finds himself getting exactly what he asked for but soon discovers that some desires come at a dark, sinister price.
Dread’s own Josh Korngut referred to Obsession in his review as, “the next-gen horror masterpiece I wasn’t prepared for”. Same, Josh, same.
Next up from Barker is Anything But Ghosts, with his take on the Texas Chainsaw Massacre to follow after that. Barker is one of the most exciting horror filmmakers working right now, with Obsession as, I kid you not, one of the best to come out in years.
Run, don’t walk, to see Obsession in theaters now.
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