Curry Barker’s Obsession has been the breakout story of the summer, as after registering impressive reviews at its premiere, the movie has achieved the rare feat of posting a box office increase in its second weekend. Unsurprisingly, the movie’s success has positioned Barker as one of the most exciting horror filmmakers in the current climate, especially given his upcoming slate, which includes a new Texas Chain Saw Massacre movie (via Deadline).
But beyond Barker’s prowess, the cast is also worthy of recognition for their strong performances, particularly Inde Navarrette, who elevated the horror experience to a whole new level. Although it’ll be interesting to see how their careers unfold in the wake of the movie’s success, for now, here’s an overview of the cast and their prominent past works from which viewers may recognize them.
1. Inde Navarrette (Nikki)
Inde Navarrette was undoubtedly the strongest part of the movie, as her ability to capture both a terrifying antagonist and a tragic victim of the Wishing Willow was extraordinary.
But prior to headlining this horror breakout, which has already sparked discourse about her potentially emerging as a surprise contender during next year’s awards season, her most notable role was arguably Sarah in Superman & Lois. Fans of 13 Reasons Why might also recognize the actor from the show’s final season, where she played the minor role of Estela. Given the growing discourse surrounding her awards potential, however, expect Navarrette to dominate the spotlight in the coming years.
2. Michael Johnston (Bear)
A still from Obsession | Credit: Focus Features
Even though Navarrette was the star of the movie, Michael Johnston did an impeccable job as the anchor of the movie in the shoes of Bear, which served as the perfect foil for Navarrette’s commanding performance.As for the actor’s career prior to his breakout gig, the actor had a major presence in the indie landscape through movies like Slash and Endangered Species. However, his most prominent work before his breakout role was Corey Bryant in MTV’s Teen Wolf. The actor also boasts a history of voice work in anime and games, as he voiced Shoichi in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.
3. Cooper Tomlinson (Ian)
A still from Obsession | Credit: Focus Features
Cooper Tomlinson played Ian, who served as the comic relief and the secondary villain of the movie, before ultimately meeting a tragic end at the hands of Inde Navarrette’s Nikki.
His comedic prowess in the movie isn’t surprising given his extensive background in comedy, as he has long collaborated with Curry Barker, with whom he co-created the popular sketch seriesThat’s a Bad Idea. Their previous collaborations also saw Tomlinson starring in the Obsession director’s found-footage horror short film Milk & Serial. Beyond his work with Barker, some of his other credits include Treasure Trackers.
4. Megan Lawless (Sarah)
A still from Obsession | Credit: Focus Features
Despite going against some impeccable performances in the movie, Megan Lawless holds her own as Sarah, who also serves as a key emotional anchor in the horror.
Even though Obsession has been her breakout movie in the mainstream landscape, over the years, Lawless has worked on several recognizable productions, including The Hate U Give and Table 19. The Table 19 star also starred opposite Elle Fanning in Hulu’s The Girl from Plainville, and prior to joining forces with Barker, Lawless had already made a name for herself in the horror community through projects like The Death That Awaits and Killer Rental.
5. Andy Richter (Carter)
A still from Scary Movie 2 | Credit: Dimension Films
Andy Richter’s casting was undoubtedly one of the most surprising aspects of Barker’s horror due to his comedic roots. Playing Sarah’s father, Carter, the actor brings a warm and fatherly presence to the role, which is a far cry from his loud late-night persona.He’s is easily the biggest mainstream presence in the movie, as the veteran comedian boasts a three-decade-long career in the world of late-night television and comedy, and is best known for serving as Conan O’Brien‘s witty sidekick. As for his onscreen work, the actor most famously headlined his own sitcom, Andy Richter Controls the Universe, while also making memorable appearances in high-profile comedies like Elf, Talladega Nights, and Scary Movie 2, in which he played Father Harris.
All in all, the cast deserves its flowers for elevating Barker’s already strong script to new heights, especially Navarrette. Given Oscar’s recent history, which saw Michelle Yeoh and Michael B. Jordan securing the gold despite their movies releasing well before the awards season, with how much of a sensation Obsession has become, Navarrette might have a serious shot at the accolade.
ActorCharacterCharacter DescriptionInde NavarretteNikkiBear’s charismatic coworker who gets trapped by the Wish Willow spell and becomes dangerously obsessed with him.Michael JohnstonBearThe shy, awkward music store employee who uses the Wish Willow to force Nikki into a dangerous, obsessive love.Cooper TomlinsonIanThe comic relief of the group with a deeply toxic side.Megan LawlessSarahThe kind and caring daughter of the music store owner with a crush on Bear.Andy RichterCarterThe laid-back owner of the music store where they all work.
What’s next for Curry Barker after Obsession’s success?
Barker’s next feature is another horror, titled Anything But Ghosts, starring Aaron Paul in the lead. Moreover, the movie has already wrapped production and is set to be distributed by Focus Features in the near future. Barker has also joined forces with A24 to helm The Texas Chain Saw Massacre reboot. And going by his track record, there’s a good chance he might reignite mainstream interest in the slasher IP.
How much has Obsession made so far?
Made on a reported budget of just $1 million, Obsession has already grossed nearly $74 million worldwide as of May 24, including more than $52 million domestically.
What’s next for Inde Navarrette after her breakout performance in Obsession?
Navarrette is currently attached to the survival thriller Invertigo, which revolves around a group of reckless teens stuck in an unreleased rollercoaster. The actor has also been vocal about continuing to explore the horror genre, and given the amount of limelight she has garnered following Obsession, there’s a strong chance she could cement herself as a modern-day scream queen.
Drop your favorite performance from the movie below!
Obsession is currently playing in theaters.
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