Inde Navarrette and Curry Barker, the creative minds behind the indie horror film ‘Obsession,’ recently shared insights into the film’s inception during a panel discussion at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on 11 September. As they reflected on the project, both the actress and the writer-director offered an intriguing glimpse into their experiences, from auditions to the film’s unexpected success.
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Navarrette, 25, who secured the pivotal role of Nikki, initially questioned her performance during the audition process. Having previously appeared in The CW’s ‘Superman & Lois,’ she was eager to explore new territory. “I wanted to do something completely different than I’d ever done before,” she confessed. The opportunity to portray Nikki in Barker’s script was particularly appealing to her. “I felt like I had this fire in my belly that I just wanted to show people what I could do,” she added.
Barker’s screenplay dives into the chaotic journey of a hopeless romantic whose wishes for love lead to unexpected consequences. Navarrette found the character intriguing, noting, “I was like, ‘Wow, what range and what endless things that you can do with Nikki.’” This enthusiasm paved the way for her audition, which took place over Zoom. Despite her apprehension about her performance, she later discovered that Barker was impressed.
“We met on Zoom and it was pretty electric,” Barker recounted. The connection between the two was immediate, with Navarrette humorously stating that she “felt electrocuted” during the meeting. She expressed gratitude that Barker recognised potential in her that she felt she had not yet showcased. Encouraging others in the audience, she remarked, “If anybody’s an actor here thinks that they do a bad job, maybe you didn’t.”
‘Obsession’ has emerged as a standout film in 2026, surprising audiences with its success at the box office. Produced on a modest budget of approximately £750,000, the film was shot in a swift twenty days. Barker described the production journey as uncertain, framing the project with a sense of hopefulness: “The process of making this movie was always, there was no guarantee of this thing ever getting made. The attitude was always, ‘Okay, we’ll write a good script and we’ll see.’”
In addition to Navarrette’s role, the film features performances by Michael Johnston, Cooper Tomlinson, and Megan Lawless, all contributing to the project’s overall success. The film has resonated with viewers, with many praising its unique storyline and fresh approach to the horror genre.
Looking ahead, Navarrette is set to take on the role of Rogue in an upcoming X-Men film within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This new venture signifies a major step in her career, following her remarkable breakout performance in ‘Obsession.’
As the 51st Toronto International Film Festival progresses, running from 10 to 20 September, ‘Obsession’ continues to garner attention. The film is currently available for streaming on Peacock and can also be rented. With such a strong reception at TIFF, both Navarrette and Barker’s careers may be on the brink of exciting new developments. The success of ‘Obsession’ exemplifies how independent cinema has the power to captivate audiences and create lasting impressions in the ever-evolving landscape of film.