In the opening act, a hopeless romantic stumbles across the mysterious "One Wish Willow" and uses it in the hope of winning over the girl he cannot stop thinking about. It appears to work, but the film quickly hints that every shortcut comes with a price, steering the story towards psychological horror rather than a straightforward romance.
Barker directs and writes with clear confidence, leaning into awkward youthful longing before slowly twisting it into something far darker. Michael Johnston gives the lead a believable vulnerability that makes his decisions understandable even when they become reckless. Inde Navarrette brings warmth and uncertainty to the relationship, while Cooper Tomlinson adds another layer of tension whenever the story threatens to settle into familiar territory.
The direction is strongest when it trusts atmosphere over explanation. Dim interiors, muted colours and carefully framed shots create an unsettling mood that lingers long after individual scares have passed. The score quietly amplifies the dread without overwhelming the scenes, and you can feel the pressure building with each new consequence. Thankfully, it resists the temptation to shout when a whisper will do. Even horror films know that overacting is scarier to casting directors than audiences.
The writing balances supernatural ideas with emotional insecurity, making obsession feel as much like a personal flaw as a paranormal curse. The pacing occasionally slows in the middle, and a few supporting characters could have used greater depth, but the central concept remains compelling throughout. If you're into psychological horror that mixes romance with creeping unease instead of endless jump scares, this is an easy recommendation.