In a Perfect World, the Horror Movie 'Obsession' Would Be an Oscar Contender

Also grading Meg Stalter, Jeff Probst, and the Cannes Film Festival fashion.

Good news. One of the best films of the year, Obsession, arrived in theaters this weekend. Bad news. Somehow, Michael managed to beat it for the top spot at the box office on its fourth week out, despite two weeks of The Devil Wears Prada 2 sitting at #1. As it turns out, millennials seem to be a bit more prompt in their theatergoing, showing up in droves the first two weeks, while the Gex X/Baby Boomer Michael Jackson fans have continued to buy tickets later.

With big blockbusters from the spring still playing in theaters and The Mandalorian and Grogu set to arrive this weekend, Focus Features’ horror film Obsession was the only major release of this past week, taking in $17M, a sum that’s sure to grow as strong word of mouth pushes it into next week.

Meanwhile, over in the world of TV, the 2026 Emmy-qualifying period is coming to a close on May 31, which means that the spring prestige TV season will soon be over as well. I don’t know if it’s just me, but it seems like “peak TV” really gave everyone decision paralysis when it comes to tuning in. I’ve found it increasingly difficult to motivate myself to watch non-reality TV in recent years, because no one else seems to be watching the same shows as me, and I largely watch TV to discuss it with others. Hacks and The Pitt seem like the two most obvious Emmy frontrunners this year, but a glance at Gold Derby highlights shows I’ve never heard a whimper about. The Dipolomat and Paradise are likely nominees in drama? What are Half Man and All Her Fault? We need to start consolidating some of these shows so we can decide as a society what we’re going to watch. Otherwise, I’m going to just stick with Love on the Spectrum and The Traitors.

But back to movies…

The Report Card

Valedictorian: Obsession

Awarded to THE standout figure of the week, recognizing exceptional talent across disciplines.

So far in 2026, I haven’t given a single new release five stars on Letterboxd. I have, however, dished out 4.5s to Hoppers, The Devil Wears Prada 2, and Obsession. Of that trio, Obsession is the most original. The horror film from Curry Barker stars Michael Johnston as Bear, a twentysomething with a crush on his friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette). When he buys a “One Wish Willow” and wishes that Nikki would love him more than anyone else in the world, he sets off a horrifying chain reaction as Nikki’s behavior grows more and more erratic in her obsession. When Bear eventually tries to reverse his wish to prevent her from stalking him, things devolve into a bloody mess.

In addition to phenomenal performances from all involved, Obsession also ends with one of the tightest, most ingenious twists and a sequence I’ll be thinking about for years to come. With the success of Weapons last year, I do wonder if something like Obsession could break into the awards conversation in the fall, because it certainly deserves a Best Original Screenplay nomination.

A+ in Fashion: Gillian Anderson at Cannes

Awarded to the best-dressed individual of the week, either a real-life human or an on-screen character.

THIS IS NOT A WIG. I repeat THIS IS NOT A WIG. I love Gillian Anderson as a Hollywood figure immensely, but these voluminous curls at her Cannes photocall were life-changing. It’s really depressing that, of the 1980’s hairstyles to bring back, the mullet got the call before the permed curls, but hopefully Gillian will help make that comeback a reality.

A+ in Writing: “Prettiest Girl in America” by Meg Stalter

Awarded to the best use of the English language in the past 7 days.

Meg Stalter continues to be the funniest person alive, both on Hacks and now on Spotify. For seemingly no real reason other than enjoyment, Stalter released a tongue-in-cheek pop anthem entitled “Prettiest Girl in America,” which she promoted with both a lookalike competition as well as some late-night stops. The set of pre-chorus lyrics delightfully shreds other pop stars who exaggerate their problems.

But no one can see past my smile
My pain goes for miles and miles
Sometimes I wish I was ugly and poor
So it wouldn't hurt anymore

Also, the song is catchy, and I love the remix with Vanilla Mace.

A+ in Acting: Inde Navarrette in Obsession

Awarded to the individual(s) who deserve(s) an Oscar for their remarkable performance(s) on screen, large or small.

Circling back to Obsession, I’d also like to introduce you to Inde Navarrette, an actress whom I’d never seen before this film, although she was in 13 Reasons Why and Superman & Lois in supporting roles. Navarrette is gifted with a delicious buffet of character choices in Obsession, playing both the cool friend post-One Wish Willow as well as the wish-induced obsessive post-cracking. She’s laughing, she’s crying, she’s manic, she’s depressed. This is a Florence Pugh in Midsommar-esque star-making performance, and in a perfect world, she (along with Johnston) would also earn awards buzz. I think what’s perhaps more likely is they’re able to parlay these performances into more interesting roles. Especially with Sydney Sweeney in her flop era, we’re due for another strong female lead in Hollywood, and perhaps Navarrette will fill that role.

F in Vibes: The Wizard of the Kremlin

Awarded to the entity with the worst energy, most unwell aura, and bleakest constitution.

Not to venture too far off the beaten path just to kick a dead horse, but I spent 2.5 hours watching The Wizard of the Kremlin at TIFF last year, and I need to complain about the experience to someone. This film is directed by Olivier Assayas, whose films Personal Shopper and The Clouds of Sils Maria, both of which star Kristen Stewart, are some of my favorites. So when I heard he was directing a film about Vladimir Putin, I labeled it as a “must-see’ on my schedule.

The film stars Jude Law as Putin and Paul Dano as one of his advisors and charts Putin’s rise to power, but it’s quite simply one of the slowest, most dull films I’ve ever had to sit through. And you could say, “Well it was boring, but at least it taught you something,” BUT NO. Paul Dano’s character isn’t even a real person; much of the film is fictionalized, so unlike a bland documentary meant to help you learn, The Wizard of the Kremlin just presents a loosey goosey Putin backstory that’s largely fake. WHAT IS THE POINT OF THIS?

No one is going to watch this movie because it’s bad, but I needed to vent nonetheless.

Required Reading: “Cast List 2” on SNL

If you’re going to engage with media in the upcoming week, this is what you should be engaging with.

Back pre-pandemic, when Will Ferrell hosted Saturday Night Live in 2019, a skit entitled “Cast List” was posted on SNL’s YouTube page despite it not actually making it to air. Sometimes that happens with clips from the dress rehearsal, but in this case, the clip grew a bit of a cult following. When Ferrell returned this weekend to host again, they recreated the skit for an equally delightful watch.

A Note to Parents Regarding Jeff Probst

Sorry kids, but it’s time for the grown-ups to talk. If you’re a paying subscriber, feel free to read on for gossip, hot takes, and potentially controversial subject matter for your eyes only.