In the world of horror cinema, where the line between reality and the supernatural often blurs, the recent addition of 'Obsession' to Peacock's streaming platform has sparked an intriguing debate. Today, I want to delve into one of the film's most controversial scenes: the death of Bear's cat, Sandy.
A Cat's Tale
'Obsession', a horror masterpiece crafted by Curry Barker, introduces us to Bear, a romantic soul working alongside his childhood friend and crush, Nikki. The film's opening scenes set the tone with a tragic event: the untimely demise of Bear's feline companion, Sandy. The cause? A bottle of OxyContin, a prescription painkiller, left within Sandy's reach.
The scene unfolds with Bear returning home to discover Sandy's lifeless body on the kitchen floor. Alongside the cat, we find an open bottle of pills, scattered amidst cat food. This raises several questions that have left viewers, including myself, scratching their heads.
Unraveling the Mystery
Firstly, the notion of a cat opening cans of wet food seems far-fetched. Cats, despite their cunning, lack the dexterity to perform such a task. Secondly, the medicine cabinet shot suggests a more intricate scenario: the cat accessing the pills, spilling them, and then consuming them. This theory, however intriguing, lacks logical coherence.
Let's explore a more plausible narrative. Perhaps Bear, struggling with addiction, has been helping himself to his grandmother's pills. The 'Do Not Eat!!!' label could be his reminder. Yet, even with this interpretation, the cat's pill consumption remains questionable.
The Pill Dilemma
As someone who has attempted to medicate a cat, I can attest to the challenge. Cats are adept at avoiding pills, spitting them out, or licking off any coatings. OxyContin, with its bitter taste, is particularly unappealing to felines. Even a hungry cat would likely avoid such a bitter pill.
Online theories suggest Bear intentionally killed the cat or that Nikki was possessed by its spirit. While creative, these ideas seem far-fetched. I believe the cat's death was a rushed decision by Barker, aimed at establishing Bear's character and the film's tone. However, it fails to align with the film's logical framework.
A Director's Choice
Barker might have questioned the cat's death, but decided to proceed, assuming audiences would accept it. After all, the film introduces a magic stick that grants wishes, a concept more fantastical. But for me, the cat's death stands out as a glaring inconsistency.
In conclusion, while 'Obsession' offers a thrilling ride, the cat's death scene leaves much to be desired in terms of logical coherence. It's a detail that, for some viewers, may detract from the overall experience. Perhaps, in the future, filmmakers will take note and ensure such details are more carefully considered.
