Horror fans have expressed confusion over an "Unrated" version of the film "Obsession" listed on Apple TV. The digital release, which also appears on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Fandango At Home, has led to questions about whether the version available on Apple TV genuinely contains additional content or is simply a mislabeled R-rated cut.
"Obsession," written and directed by Curry Barker, stars Michael Johnston as Bear, a young man who works in a music shop with his best friend, Nikki, played by Inde Navarrette. Bear, finding himself in the friend zone, uses a supernatural object to wish for Nikki to fall in love with him, leading to unsettling consequences when she becomes overly fixated on him.
The film achieved significant box office success, grossing over $371 million worldwide and becoming Focus Features' highest-grossing film to date. With its digital release, the movie is now accessible to a wider audience at home.
'Unrated' Version Under Scrutiny
On Apple TV, "Obsession" is presented as "Unrated," while other digital platforms list it as "Rated R." However, the runtime for the Apple TV version is 1 hour and 48 minutes, identical to the R-rated theatrical cut. This similarity suggests that the "Unrated" designation on Apple TV may not indicate the presence of additional scenes, particularly more graphic content.
Furthermore, there is no option to purchase the R-rated version of "Obsession" on Apple TV, with the "Unrated" version being the sole offering. This has led to speculation that the listing might be an error on Apple's part.
Director's Cut and Alternate Versions
Director Curry Barker has previously mentioned a more violent cut of "Obsession." At the South By Southwest Film Festival, Barker stated that an NC-17 version, featuring approximately six to seven additional "head smashes" from the film's most violent sequence, was screened at the Toronto Film Festival before the film was acquired by Focus Features. The director indicated that cuts were made to secure an R rating.
However, comparisons made by some outlets suggest no discernible difference in this scene or others between the Apple TV version and the R-rated cut. A director's cut may potentially be released in the future, possibly coinciding with the film's physical media release on DVD, 4K UHD, and Blu-ray, scheduled for July 14, 2026.
Digital Release Bonus Features
The digital release of "Obsession" includes bonus content, such as a 19-minute featurette titled "OBSESSION Unleashed." This behind-the-scenes segment offers insights from filmmaker Curry Barker and the cast, including Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, and Megan Lawless, exploring the creation of the horror narrative and the performances. The bonus features also include an audio commentary with writer/director Curry Barker. The specific bonus features may vary by platform.
"Obsession" is available for purchase and rent on digital platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home. Prices vary by platform, with a digital copy costing $24.99 to buy and $19.99 to rent on Amazon Prime Video, offering a 48-hour viewing window after playback begins.