‘Obsession’ Trailer Launches Teen Wolf Star into Horror Spotlight

The highly anticipated horror film Obsession has released its first teaser trailer, featuring Michael Johnston, known for his role in Teen Wolf. Directed and written by Curry Barker, the film is generating buzz as one of 2026’s most exciting releases. Following Barker’s breakout success with the found-footage film Milk & Serial, made on a budget of just $800, Obsession showcases a significantly larger budget of $1 million, allowing for a more ambitious production.

The teaser sets the tone for a classic horror narrative centered around desire and its potential consequences. Johnston plays a character who interacts with a product called One Wish Willow, which grants its user a single wish. In his quest for love, he wishes for his crush to reciprocate his feelings. Initially, the wish seems like a dream, but as the story unfolds, the character discovers that fulfilling desires can lead to unforeseen and unsettling outcomes.

Barker’s inspiration for Obsession stems from a memorable episode of The Simpsons titled “Treehouse of Horror II,” where Bart’s misadventures with a monkey’s paw highlight the dark humor often found in horror narratives.

Festival Success and Industry Recognition

The film premiered in the Midnight Madness section at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and received overwhelmingly positive reviews. Notably, Focus Features acquired the distribution rights for over $15 million, a significant investment that reflects the film’s potential in the market. Additionally, Jason Blum of Blumhouse has joined the project as an executive producer, further solidifying its credibility.

As of now, Obsession boasts an impressive 97% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers consistently praise the film’s sharp script, which balances horror elements with moments of humor. Unlike many horror films that falter in their final act, Obsession is noted for its strong conclusion, generating considerable anticipation for Barker’s future projects.

A Bright Future for Curry Barker

In addition to Obsession, Barker is already planning his next film, tentatively titled Anything but Ghosts. He will take on multiple roles, including director and co-writer, alongside Cooper Tomlinson. With Blum returning as a producer, this project is expected to build on the momentum established by Obsession.

As the film industry increasingly embraces talents from platforms like YouTube, Barker’s rise aligns with a growing trend of digital creators making their mark in Hollywood. Following the success of films like Talk to Me and Shelby Oaks, which also transitioned from online fame to mainstream recognition, Barker’s journey signifies an exciting evolution in the horror genre.

With its gripping premise and a promising debut, Obsession is set to captivate audiences upon its release on October 2, 2025. The film not only highlights the potential of new voices in horror but also reinforces the genre’s ability to resonate with universal themes of desire and consequence.