Podcast: ‘Obsession’ Gets Uncertified

It isn't often that a horror film can ride a tidal wave of hype into theaters and still manage to exceed expectations, but then again, it isn't often that we get a horror film like Obsession. After taking the 2025 fall festival circuit by storm, Obsession is finally in theaters, and it may just be the best actor-director one-two punch since Linda Blair and William Friedkin changed the game with The Exorcist.

After years of friendship, Bear (Michael Johnston) would do anything to earn a shot with Nikki (Inde Navarette). But after being kept at arm’s length one too many times, Bear, in exasperation, jokingly wishes that Nikki would love him more than anyone in the world. But there’s a problem - some wishes really come true, and Bear soon learns that he would do almost anything to maintain Nikki’s newfound interest in him. Written and directed by TikTok and YouTube creator, Curry Barker, Obsession is one movie you won’t want to friend-zone.

In this short excerpt from the episode, Matt Monagle shares his thoughts on the film:

Navarette is so talented in this. It's her performance and her film, but I also love that Barker doesn't get out of her way? He works with her. They do stuff in production, sound design and lighting in order to really let her performance shine. I compare it to William Friedkin and Linda Blair — it's that level of quality.

The Obession episode of the Certified Forgotten podcast is now available to stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, or the podcast platform of your choice.