Obsession Brings Supernatural Horror to The Strand in Schroon Lake

Image credits: Focus Features

For Adirondack moviegoers looking for something darker this weekend, Obsession arrives at the historic Strand Theatre in Schroon Lake for a three-night run. Screening Friday, June 12, through Sunday, June 14, at 8 pm, the acclaimed horror thriller offers a different kind of night out in the Adirondacks—one that trades campfires and mountain vistas for suspense, supernatural twists, and psychological dread.

As independent theaters across the Adirondack Park continue to provide alternatives to the multiplex experience, films like Obsession remind audiences why small-town cinemas remain an important part of the region’s cultural landscape.

Film synopsis.

Written and directed by rising filmmaker Curry Barker, Obsession follows Bear, a shy music store employee played by Michael Johnston, who harbors long-held feelings for his childhood friend Nikki, portrayed by Inde Navarrette. Desperate to win her affection, he uses a mysterious object known as the “One Wish Willow” to make his dream come true.

The wish works—but not in the way he imagined.

What begins as an awkward romantic fantasy quickly spirals into a disturbing supernatural nightmare as Nikki’s affection transforms into something increasingly intense, unpredictable, and terrifying. The result is a clever blend of psychological horror, dark comedy, and cautionary fable about desire, control, and unintended consequences.

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Watch the official trailer.

Before seeing Obsession at The Strand in Schroon Lake, viewers can get a preview of the film’s unsettling atmosphere and supernatural premise in the official trailer.

The trailer introduces Bear’s fateful wish, Nikki’s increasingly obsessive behavior, and the escalating horror that follows.

The trailer offers a glimpse of why Obsession has become one of the most talked-about horror releases now playing in Adirondack theaters.

Cast, director, and production notes.

At just 26 years old, Barker has emerged as one of horror’s most closely watched new filmmakers. A former YouTube creator, he wrote, directed, and edited Obsession, bringing a fresh voice to a familiar “be careful what you wish for” premise. Critics have noted the film’s inventive mix of relationship drama, supernatural horror, and dark humor.

Navarrette’s performance has attracted particular attention. Best known for her work on Superman & Lois, she delivers a role that shifts dramatically over the course of the film, requiring equal parts vulnerability and menace. Many reviewers have pointed to her performance as the film’s standout achievement.

Critical response, awards, and why it still matters now.

Obsession premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness program before earning a wide theatrical release and strong critical support. The film currently holds exceptionally high audience and critic scores, with many reviewers praising its originality and emotional depth beneath the scares.

One positive takeaway that recurs across reviews is the film’s thoughtful exploration of consent, loneliness, and modern relationships beneath its surface of horror. Critics have described it as both unsettling and surprisingly emotionally resonant.

More mixed reactions have centered on the film’s graphic violence and increasingly intense final act, which some reviewers found more effective in concept than execution.

For audiences who missed its initial release, this screening represents an ideal second-run theatrical experience—particularly for horror fans who appreciate seeing suspense unfold in a dark room with an engaged crowd.

Inde Navarrette and Michael Johnson.

Why see it in the Adirondacks.

There is something uniquely satisfying about watching a horror film in a historic Adirondack cinema.

The Strand in Schroon Lake offers an experience increasingly difficult to find elsewhere: a community-centered theater where audiences gather not because an algorithm suggested a title, but because a film looks intriguing. The slower pace of small-town moviegoing encourages viewers to settle in, put away distractions, and experience a story as it was intended to be seen.

For travelers searching for things to do in Schroon Lake this weekend or residents looking for movies playing in the Adirondacks, Obsession provides an atmospheric evening option after a day on the lake or trail.

Showings take place Friday, June 12; Saturday, June 13; and Sunday, June 14 at 8 pm. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children and seniors. Cash only.

Visitors should check The Strand’s Facebook page for the latest information before attending.

ADK Taste recommendation.

Best for: Friday night horror fans. Arrive early, grab dinner in Schroon Lake, and let Obsession deliver the chills afterward.

Michael Johnston stars in Obsession.

For more films playing in the Adirondacks this week, weekend event ideas, and hidden gems across the region, subscribe to ADK Taste’s newsletter and discover what’s happening beyond the usual guidebook stops. You can also explore our curated Adirondack events coverage here: ADK Taste Events Newsletter

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