Curry Barker, a 26-year-old filmmaker, is making waves in the horror genre with his latest project, Obsession. This follows a trend of comedians turning to horror for their theatrical debuts, similar to Jordan Peele, Zach Cregger, and the Philippou brothers. Barker's journey began with a sketch comedy duo called 'That's a Bad Idea' and a no-budget YouTube sensation, Milk & Serial, which surprisingly made Variety's list of the best horror films of 2024. Despite its humble beginnings, Obsession has become a critical and commercial success, scoring better reviews than any other horror film of the year. The film's success stems from Barker's unique perspective and understanding of the human condition, which he honed as a comedian. He explains, 'I feel like there’s a darkness in comedy. So you see those [horror] sensibilities there already.'
Barker's ability to study human psychology and make fun of humans lends itself well to horror. His latest film, Obsession, started as a short film concept that he pitched to producer James Harris, who liked it enough to write the script and produce the feature. The film's success has led to a potential franchise, with Barker exploring the concept of a 'One Wish Willow' as an IP. This raises the question: what makes comedians so great at horror? Barker's success in the genre is a testament to his unique perspective and understanding of the human condition, which he honed as a comedian.
The film's ending, which Barker discusses in the Seen on the Screen podcast, is a key part of its success. The ending is a surprise, and it raises a deeper question about the nature of obsession and the consequences of our wishes. The film's success is also a reflection of the growing trend of comedians turning to horror, and it's a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level. As Barker continues to explore the horror genre, it will be interesting to see what new and exciting projects he has in store.
