OBSESSED (2009) Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch! | Idris Elba | Beyoncé | Ali Larter | w/Jaby
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖The movie's title 'Obsessed' immediately telegraphs its stalker thriller genre, removing initial suspense.
- ❖Derek's past relationship with an office employee makes his wife Sharon's suspicions more credible.
- ❖Lisa's actions escalate from screening calls and faking illness to faking a suicide attempt and kidnapping a child.
- ❖Derek's repeated failure to report Lisa to HR or the police is a critical plot driver for the escalating conflict.
- ❖The hosts were surprised that the 'grapy stuff' (sexual assault) in the hotel room was never used by Lisa as blackmail.
- ❖Beyoncé's character, Sharon, is framed as the ultimate hero, delivering a satisfying physical confrontation with the villain.
- ❖The film's PG-13 rating is questioned given the mature and violent themes depicted.
Insights
1Lack of Subtlety in Villain's Introduction Undermines Early Suspense
The hosts note that Lisa's 'obsessed' nature is immediately apparent from her first scene, with no ambiguity or gradual build-up. This upfront portrayal, while establishing her as a clear antagonist, removes any potential suspense about her intentions or whether Derek might be misinterpreting her actions.
The hosts state, 'She comes in and you immediately know that like oh she's obsessed with this dude' and 'the moment she's on screen you're like that's the bad one.'
2Protagonist's Consistent Resistance to Temptation is a Genre Anomaly
Unlike many thrillers where the male lead succumbs to temptation, Derek (Idris Elba) consistently resists Lisa's advances. This steadfastness, while making him a more sympathetic character, is highlighted by the hosts as an unusual choice for this type of storyline, where a lapse in judgment often fuels the conflict.
Jaby observes, 'He didn't ever give in. I was a little surprised that there was not even a single moment of him like almost giving in to temptation.'
3Unused Blackmail Plot Point and PG-13 Rating Discrepancy
The hosts express surprise that the 'grapy stuff' (sexual assault) in the hotel room, where Lisa drugs Derek, is never used as blackmail or evidence by Lisa. They also question the film's PG-13 rating, suggesting that the content, especially if gender roles were reversed, would likely warrant an R-rating.
Michael notes, 'That never came back. I was surprised about that. I was certain that photos were going to come out.' Jaby adds, 'I'm really surprised this is not rated R given the stuff that happened in the in the hotel room.'
4Beyoncé's Character as the True Hero for the Target Audience
The hosts analyze the film's ending, where the final frame is on Beyoncé's character, Sharon, rather than Idris Elba's Derek. They conclude this choice caters to the film's likely female audience, positioning Sharon as the 'real hero' who reclaims her life and family through direct action against the stalker.
Jaby states, 'This movie is for the the female audience... the real hero character at the end is Beyonce taking out Lisa.'
Notable Moments
Derek's 'If I were single' comment to Lisa, intended as comfort, is a major misstep that fuels her delusion.
This moment highlights Derek's naivete and poor judgment, directly contributing to Lisa's belief that he reciprocates her feelings.
Lisa's faked overdose in Derek's hotel room forces him to save her, further entangling him and preventing him from immediately reporting her.
This dramatic escalation puts Derek in a compromising position, making him appear guilty and delaying his necessary action against Lisa.
The climactic fight between Sharon (Beyoncé) and Lisa in the attic and throughout the house.
This scene is identified as the satisfying payoff for the audience, showcasing Sharon's strength and agency in confronting the threat to her family directly.
Quotes
"If you think you can pump me for information with a couple of cosmos, you're right."
"You are way too many deep to be driving right now, man."
"Why are characters in movies dense when it comes to that?"
"It's not what you know, Hoy. It's what you can prove."
"Beyoncé needs no help. I'll wipe the floor with your little skinny ass."
Q&A
Recent Questions
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