Curry Barker's directorial debut, The Obsession, is proving to be a hit, but it's not without its flaws. The film's premise, centered around a magical artifact called the One Wish Willow, raises some intriguing questions, but it also has its fair share of plot holes. Barker, in an interview with Total Film, admits to a significant issue with the film's logic, which could potentially hinder a sequel or an anthology series.
The One Wish Willow, as depicted in the movie, allows anyone to make a single wish, which, according to the film's lore, should have far-reaching consequences. However, the world of The Obsession remains surprisingly normal, with no signs of the magical occurrences one would expect from such a powerful object. Barker explains this paradox by suggesting that each wish creates an alternate reality, but this explanation doesn't quite hold up under scrutiny.
The director's personal interpretation of the plot hole is that the wishes are not happening simultaneously, which is why the world around Bear and his friends remains unchanged. However, this explanation doesn't address the more fundamental issue of why the wishes don't have a more noticeable impact on the world. Barker even goes as far as to call it a 'plot hole' that doesn't make sense, as it would lead to absurd consequences, like the existence of dragons.
Despite this, Barker is open to expanding the Obsession universe. He envisions a sequel or an anthology series, where each episode explores a different wish, potentially directed by different filmmakers. This idea is intriguing, but it also highlights the film's limitations. If the wishes are as powerful as the film suggests, why not explore the full scope of their impact in a single, cohesive narrative? Perhaps a sequel could delve into the consequences of the wishes, or an anthology series could showcase the diverse ways in which the One Wish Willow could be used.
In my opinion, the film's plot hole is a significant hurdle for a potential sequel or anthology. While the idea of exploring different wishes is appealing, the film's inconsistent logic could leave audiences confused or disappointed. Barker's admission of the plot hole is a brave move, and it's interesting to see how he might address it in future installments. The Obsession's success on opening weekend is a testament to its entertainment value, but the film's inconsistencies could be a challenge for its long-term success.
