‘Obsession’ Director Curry Barker Debuts Shocking New Short Film ‘Mama Bear,’ Just in Time for Halloween

Curry Barker’s first post-“Obsession” film project, “Mama Bear,” has debuted exclusively on YouTube, giving horror fans a fix just in time for Halloween.

The short film, announced just days earlier in partnership with Windows, immediately sparked intrigue from audiences, with some interpreting its title as a nod to “Obsession,” Barker’s breakout film, since one of the main characters is named Bear (played by Michael Johnston).

“Obsession” is one of the year’s biggest box-office hits, grossing $519 million worldwide on a budget of less than $1 million. The film was also critically adored and has earned Oscar buzz for Inde Navarrette, who starred as Nikki, Bear’s crush, whom he makes fall for him with the help of a mysterious toy called the “One Wish Willow.”

Following the success of the film, Navarrette was cast as Rogue in Marvel’s “X-Men” reboot, while Barker signed an eight-figure deal with Universal and Blumhouse. Before “Obsession,” Barker had risen to prominence acting and directing in YouTube videos.

For those looking for something longer from Barker, the director has “Anything But Ghosts,” the Focus Features and Blumhouse-Atomic Monster-backed horror-comedy, set for release on May 7, 2027. Barker directs the film and co-wrote the script with his “Obsession” star and longtime collaborator Cooper Tomlinson. The pair are also co-leads in the project, starring alongside Violet McGraw, Chris Reinacher, Bryce Dallas Howard and Aaron Paul.

“When a group of fame-seeking wannabe ‘ghosthunters’ find themselves in over their heads, things spiral wildly and terrifyingly out of control,” reads the film’s official logline.