Inde Navarrette, a rising star in the horror genre, is basking in the acclaim for her compelling performance as Nikki in the new film “Obsession.” However, she has made a deliberate choice to limit her exposure to online feedback. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, the 25-year-old actress explained her approach to managing the myriad of opinions flooding in since the film’s release.
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“Obsession” has generated considerable discussion among audiences and critics alike, with many reviews lauding Navarrette’s talent. A feature in Deadline refers to her as a “scream queen in the making,” while Variety highlights her adeptness in tackling one of the most physically and emotionally demanding roles in recent horror cinema. A particularly enthusiastic review on Letterboxd even proclaimed her as an “immediate inductee into the horror hall of fame,” a sentiment that visibly astonished her during the interview.
Despite the overflow of praise, Navarrette has opted to shield herself from the constant stream of public opinion. She shared that she and her mother have established boundaries regarding the information she consumes, prioritising her emotional well-being at a pivotal moment in her career. “I really want to make sure that I’m protecting myself first, while also giving thanks to everybody who loves the movie,” she told PEOPLE.
Navarrette clarified that her engagement with social media is strictly limited to what is communicated to her by family or her team. This approach allows her to receive feedback in a more personal manner, ensuring that she can express her gratitude directly to those who support her. “Whatever I get in person allows me to physically see that person, receive what they’re saying and to say ‘thank you’ to them directly,” she added.
The actress’s commitment to her role as Nikki is evident, with Navarrette noting how meaningful the positive feedback has been. Her dedication to the character—which is central to the narrative crafted by writer-director Curry Barker—has made her efforts feel worthwhile. “I put everything that I possibly could into this character,” she affirmed, recalling a motivational quote that underpinned her ambition to evolve beyond her previous roles.
She further elaborated on her artistic journey, saying, “To get something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done.” This mindset pushed her to embrace the challenges posed by the character and to explore the multifaceted aspects of femininity and personal expression, which she felt had been underrepresented in her earlier work.
The emotionally charged role of Nikki, who grapples with the consequences of a poorly worded wish from her friend Bear, played by Michael Johnston, has presented Navarrette with opportunities to explore the darker side of human desires. “I had so much fun playing her because you really never know what she’s going to do,” she expressed, alluding to the unpredictable dynamics her character brings to the story.
Navarrette described the filming process as exhilarating, revealing how some of the most intense scenes were completed early in the shoot. This strategy helped her build confidence in her performance. “Afterward it was like, ‘Oh, if I can do this, I can do anything,’” she reflected on how the filming shaped her experience on set.
The film “Obsession,” which also features Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter, has made its theatrical debut, and audiences are eager to see how Navarrette’s performance continues to resonate. As the buzz around her character intensifies, the actress remains focused on her craft, striving for balance in navigating her newfound attention while safeguarding her mental health.
As the horror genre continues to evolve, Navarrette appears set to carve out her unique place within it. With a strong foundation and a proactive approach to feedback, she seems well-equipped to handle the shifts of her growing and promising career.