Content warning: This story discusses sexual assault. With Halloween right around the corner, many have already begun planning their couples’ costumes, and as a die-hard Halloween fan, I am so here for it. Dean and Allie from Off Campus in the iconic JLO dress and Maverick suit are sure to be a hit, and classic favorites are also popping up on TikTok already — such as Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas. However, another popular couples costume idea making its way through TikTok: Bear and Nikki from the hit horror movie Obsession. But, IMO, it’s a duo costume I think we should all skip this Halloween.
Obsession has been one of the most popular horror movies this year, thanks to its unsettling characters, disturbing plot, and low production budget compared to most recent horror movies. The movie follows one character, Bear, who uses a supernatural “One Wish Willow” to force his long-time crush, Nikki, to love him “more than anyone in the world.” Soon, this wish turns into a curse, Nikki’s consciousness is taken over by an obsessive alter-ego, and she begins to act in violent and terrifying ways.Â
Naturally, horror fans are jumping at the opportunity to show their support and love for the successful film through Halloween scare events and costumes. But, if I’m being honest, Nikki and Bear really shouldn’t be a couples costume.
This isn’t to say that Nikki isn’t a fantastic solo costume, because she is: Nikki is instantly recognizable and usually covered in blood, making her a great Halloween costume for the people who are looking to lean into the darker elements of Halloween. In a way, dressing up solo as Nikki could also be a total power move for fans of the movie’s message, since it makes a statement about autonomy and objectification.
That’s why Bear coming into the mix is the issue. (And isn’t it always?). While Nikki is the violent character who technically commits several murders in the film, Bear’s wish (and commitment to it) is the most disturbing act in the movie. By the end of the movie, it becomes clear that he is the villain from the beginning, and that the entire movie is a metaphor for male entitlement, toxic relationships, and the total loss of bodily autonomy.Â
In the film, there is a scene where Bear realizes that Nikki is going through something — whether she’s emotionally vulnerable, manic, or (in this case) overtaken by a curse — after she has a major outburst during a date. Bear’s friend even calls him to say that something is going on with Nikki, and that something isn’t right with her mentally. Still, Bear decides to ignore the red flags and go home with Nikki after the date.
Immediately after, we see the two having sex. And while Nikki is moaning, her face is expressionless — and the audience can tell that the “real Nikki” is still trapped inside and unable to consent. It’s uncomfortable, distressing, and truly the most horrifying scene of the film.
Sure, I’ll give it to you that Bear didn’t anticipate that the wish would turn into a curse — especially one that becomes violent and obsessive. However, Bear’s intentions are still rooted in perversion: Nikki was his friend, and even if the wish worked perfectly, changing her mind and emotions to have a relationship with her — without her consent — isn’t what a friend would do. At least, I’d hope not.Â
While Halloween is the time to lean into horror, the truly sinister dynamic between Nikki and Bear isn’t something to replicate — even if it’s just a costume. So, this Halloween, let’s just not bring Bear into the mix, please?
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit hotline.rainn.org.