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Source: https://www.reeladvice.net/2026/05/obsession-2025-movie-review.html

The idea of being careful what you wish for is a story element we’ve seen countless times before and even the concept of wishing for unnatural desires coming with devastating consequences is far from new. Obsession uses this familiar trope as its foundation but what makes the film stand out is the disturbing direction it takes afterward. This is an absolutely wild and relentlessly stressful horror experience from start to finish. The tension rarely lets up and the film delivers some of the most unique and memorable horror imagery and concepts making Obsession the best horror film we’ve watched so far this year.

After fumbling his attempt to confess his feelings to Nikki (Inde Navarrette), Bear (Michael Johnston) turns to a mysterious “One Wish Willow” object and wishes for Nikki to love him more than anyone else in the world. To his shock, the object actually grants his wish exactly as requested. But as Nikki’s affection spirals into something increasingly unnatural and terrifying, Bear realizes that some desires come with a dark and sinister price.

Obsession is deeply unnerving. Just when you think you understand where the story is heading, the film propels itself with horrifying twists that fully explore the terrifying implications of forcing someone to love you at all cost. Beyond the scares, the film is packed with disturbing and thought-provoking ideas that challenge what genuine love and desires are. Director Curry Barker proves incredibly effective at building tension and sustaining dread throughout the film's runtime. And even in moments where the outcome feels predictable, the execution remains terrifying because of how intensely the scenes are created.

The film also benefits greatly from the performances of its leads. Inde Navarrette is phenomenal as a girl trapped in an obsessive and unnatural infatuation balancing vulnerability and terror in equal measure. Michael Johnston is equally impressive as the awkward and socially struggling Bear whose desperate affection slowly transforms into genuine fear. We came into Obsession with extremely high expectations, and somehow the film still managed to exceed all of those. Beneath all the terror and chaos lies a surprisingly layered exploration of love, obsession, control, and the consequences of selfish desires.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Source: https://www.reeladvice.net/2026/05/swapped-2026-movie-review.html

Swapped left us with mixed feelings. On one hand, this is an original IP that seemingly came out of nowhere, introducing a brand-new world, fresh characters and ideas that genuinely feel different. On the other hand, it lacks the polish and scale needed to truly stand out in an increasingly crowded animated genre. Still, despite its flaws, Swapped manages to deliver a win for Netflix. It’s fun, funny, and engaging on the surface level while also offering deeper substance for viewers willing to look beyond its imperfect execution.

The story follows two rival species: the Pookoo, tiny woodland creatures with an incredible sense of smell, and the Javans, majestic birds known for their massive appetites. When Ollie (voiced by Michael B. Jordan), a Pookoo, and Ivy (voiced by Juno Temple), a Javan, mysteriously swap bodies, the two are forced to work together to survive and find a way to return to their original forms.

Swapped is a kind of film that will divide audiences, largely because of its rough edges. Even with its originality, there’s still a certain sense of familiarity and generic execution to its overall structure. The film actually feels more suited for streaming than the big screen. For example, the visuals can be inconsistent, while the script sometimes leans into awkward or overly strange moments that don’t always land.

But beyond those shortcomings lies a surprisingly enjoyable experience. At its core, the film understands the basics of storytelling and executes them well enough to keep things consistently entertaining. The narrative is packed with twists and unexpected turns that kept us invested throughout most of its runtime. More importantly, the film carries an earnest message about empathy and understanding others despite differences. The lesson can feel a little heavy-handed at times, but it remains meaningful for both kids and adults alike. Swapped is far from perfect and its flaws are hard to ignore. But focusing solely on those flaws would overlook just how much heart and entertainment the film still manages to deliver.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Source: https://www.reeladvice.net/2026/05/remarkably-bright-creatures-2026-movie.html

Remarkably Bright Creatures was one of those films that completely caught us off guard. Who would have thought that an octopus, an elderly widow, and a wandering young man could come together to create such an emotional and deeply grounded experience? While the premise may sound whimsical at first glance, the film gradually reveals itself to be something far more heartfelt and emotionally-heavy. If you’re looking for an emotional rollercoaster, this film absolutely delivers.

Tova Sullivan (Sally Field) is working as the night janitor at a small-town aquarium in Washington. Unbeknownst to her, she has captured the attention of Marcellus (voiced by Alfred Molina), the aquarium’s observant octopus. Fascinated by Tova’s life, Marcellus begins to notice a connection between her and Cameron (Lewis Pullman), a struggling young musician who unexpectedly arrives in town and becomes her new co-worker. Though the two initially clash, Marcellus quietly attempts to bring them together, sensing that they may hold the answers to each other’s hidden wounds.

Remarkably Bright Creatures easily ranks among the biggest surprises we’ve seen this year. Despite its unusual setup, the film remains remarkably grounded, tackling themes of grief, loneliness, family, and healing with sincerity and restraint. The narrative, in our opinion, unfolds at a deliberate pace, slowly unraveling its mysteries until the emotional revelations hit with genuine weight. It’s a heavy film but a rewarding one to those who stay invested in the entire journey.

Much of the film’s success rests on the performances of its leads. Sally Field is effortlessly captivating as Tova while Lewis Pullman complements her perfectly as a lost young man searching for purpose and connection. Their chemistry gives the film its emotional core and makes the relationships feel authentic and relatable. If there’s one weakness, it’s that the film occasionally juggles too many side stories, leaving certain subplots feeling underdeveloped by the end. Still, these minor issues do little to diminish the overall experience. Remarkably Bright Creatures is tender, moving, and emotionally rewarding and a film that quietly sneaks up on you and leaves a lasting impact long after the credits roll.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5