Michael Johnston On Enjoying ‘Obsession’ Success, Alternate Endings, & Gay Onscreen Representation [VIDEO]

A decidedly new take on ‘be careful what you wish for’ storytelling, Curry Barker’s Obsession has become a monster box office hit shocking an already confused film industry. It’s become an indie phenom. The director is in his 20s and began his career on YouTube. He can now write his own ticket. And so can his two gifted leads, Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette.

The film centers on Bear (Johnston), a decent enough young man who has been secretly crushing on his music store co-worker and friend Nikki (Navarrette). He decides he’s going to finally tell her how he feels and, also, buy her a replacement crystal (she lost). While in the novelty shop, he stumbles on an item called One Wish Willow, which is supposed to grant the holder a single wish by breaking the stick inside. He buys that instead.

When it comes time to reveal his love for Nikki, he chickens out and she walks off, leaving him alone in the car where, in a moment of pissed off panic, he breaks the One Wish Willow and quick blathers, “I wish Nikki Freeman loved me more than anyone in the fucking world.” That one misguided moment begins a series of events that will change the course of his, Nikki’s and their two besties’ lives forever, as Nikki becomes completely obsessed with Bear.

Obsession is a moody, scary stunner that grabs you and never lets go. The movie is buoyed by terrific performances beginning with Navarrette who delivers a daring, dive-off-the-cliff turn. Johnston, arguably, has a more complicated part because he has to play it authentically and ground Bear in as much reality as possible considering the fantastical circumstances. It’s remarkable work that deserves recognition from a newcomer that the camera absolutely loves.

The film has entered the awards conversation with Navarrette often mentioned as a potential Best Actress nominee. Johnston is just as deserving in a role that is much trickier to pull off than one might initially think.

The out gay actor’s breakout role was on the last two seasons of MTV’s hit series Teen Wolf. Other TV credits include Pure Genius, Supergirl, The InBetween and S.W.A.T. Onscreen he’s appeared in the films Slash (2016) and Endangered Species (2021).

He made his stage debut in Let the Right One In at Berkeley Rep.

Johnston is also a voice artist and singer-songwriter.

Focus Features released Obsession on May 15, 2026, and it’s still playing in theaters. The pic will have its home entertainment release on July 1, 2026– postponed because of the bang-up box office performance.

The Contending had an absolute blast speaking with this dynamic, charismatic and impressive actor.