Obsession is well-received, with many fans enjoying it—except for a small segment of the internet that dislikes Inde Navarrette due to her humorous appearance on Hot Ones Versus (the internet can be perplexing). However, beyond its on-screen content, a significant aspect of the film’s charm (and a frequent talking point in discussions) is how it was produced independently with a budget of $750,000. The horror genre is rich with films that have fascinating micro-budget production stories like Obsession, as it remains one of the few genres where independent films can thrive without major actors or studio support, relying instead on word-of-mouth to attract viewers. This was also true for another film that explored themes of possession and brutal confrontations: Starry Eyes.

Co-directed by Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer, Starry Eyes tells the story of Sarah (Alex Essoe), a waitress in Los Angeles who aspires to be an actress but struggles to find success. Her main connections are her roommate, Tracy (Amanda Fuller), and Tracy’s friends, who also dream of making it big in Hollywood (or at least discuss it frequently). Sarah finally gets an opportunity for a breakout role when she auditions for the horror film The Silver Scream, but as the audition process unfolds, she realizes that achieving her dreams may require her to sacrifice a part of herself.

Alex Essoe’s Transformation (into a Scream Queen)

Released in 2014, Starry Eyes marked Alex Essoe’s first leading role, propelling her into Scream Queen status and establishing her as a frequent collaborator with Mike Flanagan, particularly after her outstanding performance as Wendy in Doctor Sleep. Like Obsession, Starry Eyes employs a familiar premise—in the case of Obsession, it’s the Monkey’s Paw, while here it’s the Faustian Bargain. However, it presents a distinctive perspective. The film uses contemporary Hollywood as a backdrop for occult horror, featuring the fictional studio Astraeus Pictures, which masquerades as a legitimate studio while functioning as a cult that exploits impressionable young actresses. Released just before the MeToo Movement gained momentum, its themes feel prescient rather than reactive, culminating in one of the film’s most unsettling scenes where Sarah is left alone with the unnamed producer of The Silver Scream (Louis Dezseran).

Starry Eyes‘s budget was minimal (even less than that of Obsession), raising approximately $50,000 through Kickstarter. Despite its limited funds, the film showcases impressive gore and makeup effects in its third act—especially highlighting Essoe’s character as she mentally and physically deteriorates. Effective lead casting can elevate an entire film, similar to how Christian Bale‘s portrayal of Patrick Bateman transformed an already excellent movie like American Psycho. Sarah’s journey—from balancing work and acting classes while remaining optimistic about her dreams to losing her sanity under the belief that it will aid her future—renders her character tragically compelling. By the time she succumbs to win the role, the film underscores her despair at having no alternatives. The most challenging scenes to watch aren’t those where she pulls off her fingernails due to them falling out but rather when she forces a smile while trapped in a job she despises.

Alex Essoe Channels ‘Possession’

The directors have mentioned that Possession influenced their story, particularly citing Isabelle Adjani‘s performance, which becomes evident as Sarah begins to unravel. Like Adjani or Navarette, there are moments in Essoe’s portrayal that could appear absurd if not executed properly. However, Essoe’s fearless approach and strong direction lend her character an intense ferocity. The low budget also benefits Starry Eyes, as Sarah loses control—whether she’s on the street or convulsing in her apartment—it evokes scenes reminiscent of Requiem for a Dream. The film does not romanticize Hollywood or depict it as a place where dreams materialize. Instead, it presents everything as grimy and unpleasant: most exterior shots are overcast rather than sunny, and even the audition studio appears cold and sterile (possibly another nod to the visual style of Possession). The film raises questions about why someone would endure such hardships while the cult (disguised as a movie studio) exploits that masochism to prey on vulnerable individuals.

Starry Eyes revitalizes the classic occult horror subgenre akin to Rosemary’s Baby, using Hollywood’s studio system backdrop to narrate a disturbing tale with real-world relevance without being overly explicit or preachy. Whether watched purely as a cautionary tale about ambition or as an exploration of unwittingly becoming a pawn for a Satanic cult, it succeeds on both fronts—and you can currently watch it for free on Tubi.

Here you can find the original article; the photos and images used in our article also come from this source. We are not their authors; they have been used solely for informational purposes with proper attribution to their original source.[/nospin]

Share on Facebook

Post on X

Follow us

Save

Related posts:

Anna Lou Castoldi enters giallo with Dario Argento's Artichoke

Jean Grey's New Look from Marvel is Turning Heads

Beloved Sci-Fi TV Show's Last Season Now on Netflix