Obsession — I’m afraid of intimacy, so I’ll just wish on this patriarchy stick

Obsession has really struck a chord in a world where we are increasingly unsure how to be in relationship with each other, and where true intimacy feels like a horrifying threat. 

In this episode, I explore Obsession (2025), and its portrayal of the fear of intimacy.

I talk about:

• Why Obsession has broken box office records
• The fast foodification of intimacy
• Coercive control
• Nikki as the manic pixie dream girl archetype, and why this kind of idealization is so damaging for true intimacy
• Our capacity to really talk about mental health 
• How the 2 of swords tarot card helps us understand Bear's weaponized insecurity

Mental Health is Horrifying is hosted by Candis Green, Registered Psychotherapist and owner of Many Moons Therapy, and is proudly produced in partnership with iHeartRadio Canada. 

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Show Notes:

Tarot for Creative Therapists — Join this course designed for mental health professions who want to learn how to confidently and ethically incorporate tarot into clinical work. (https://candisgreen.podia.com/tarot-for-creative-therapists)

Podcast artwork by Chloe Hurst at Contempo Mint

Theme music is by Sound Gallery by Dmitry Taras via pixabay 

All sound effects and music via pixabay 

Obsession (2025)

Obsession Filmmaker Curry Barker on the Inspiration Behind the Film's Horrifying Twist

‘Obsession’ Has Made 330 Times Its Budget And Breaks A Box Office Record

Coercive control as a form of family violence