‘Obsession’ Went Through the Wringer Before Becoming a Horror Masterpiece

There’s a reason I keep saying movies aren’t born perfect. They’re built.

Back in June, I wrote extensively here on Dread Central about the complicated post-production process that helped transform Curry Barker’s Obsession into the horror masterpiece that ultimately arrived in theaters.

At the time, I reported that there had been several significantly different versions of the movie throughout post-production, additional photography, conversations surrounding character clarity, and editorial adjustments designed to sharpen the tone and better balance its horror and comedy.

I also reported one particularly interesting detail: at one point, an uncredited editor had reportedly taken a pass at reshaping the movie.

Now we know quite a bit more about what was apparently happening behind the scenes.

The Hollywood Reporter published a story last night regarding a lawsuit filed by Obsession executive producer Leonora Ann Darby. We’re not particularly interested in getting into the weeds of a dispute over profit participation, but buried within the complaint are several fascinating allegations about the creative process that ultimately shaped Obsession.

According to the complaint, Darby became involved with the movie at a point when the edit had allegedly been taken away from Barker and handed to another editor.

The complaint alleges that the arrangement was hurting the movie and that Darby pushed for editorial control to be returned to Barker.

It was.

Darby also allegedly advocated for additional photography to address issues with the film.

That happened, too.