🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Steve Shill
- Genre: Drama, Thriller, Romance, Erotic Thriller
- Release year: 2009
- Runtime (length): 1h 48min
- IMDb rating: 5.0/10 (35K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 19%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A temp worker gets a little too attached to her boss, and his wife is not having it, resulting in a home demolition derby.
🍿 Obsessed: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Derek and Sharon’s Perfect Life
Derek Charles, a successful asset manager, and his beautiful wife, Sharon, are living the dream. They’ve just moved into a new home with their young son, Kyle, symbolizing their successful careers and loving relationship. Derek’s dedication to his family is apparent, and Sharon is supportive and happy.

The Arrival of Lisa and Initial Encounters
Lisa Sheridan, a seemingly harmless temp worker, joins Derek’s firm. Her presence is immediately noticeable, and she demonstrates competence in her role. However, subtle signs of an infatuation with Derek start to emerge, including listening in on his phone calls and mirroring his interests.

Escalation of Obsession and Rejection
Lisa’s behavior intensifies, ranging from innocent flirting to more overt advances. Derek repeatedly rejects her, emphasizing his commitment to his wife and family. Despite his clear disinterest, Lisa’s obsession grows, causing discomfort and concern for Derek.

The Christmas Party Incident and Aftermath
At the office Christmas party, Lisa’s actions become more blatant, culminating in an aggressive attempt to seduce Derek in the men’s restroom. Derek firmly rebuffs her and leaves the party. Though visibly shaken, he makes the crucial decision to not initially inform Sharon about the incident, setting in motion a series of escalating events.

False Accusations and Marital Strain
Lisa’s actions create a wedge between Derek and Sharon. She fakes a suicide attempt in Derek’s hotel room during a work retreat and continues her campaign to destroy his marriage by sending explicit content to his email. The detective that interviews her lies about her relationship with Derek. Sharon, fueled by suspicion and lacking full context, kicks Derek out of their home.
Lisa’s Descent into Violence and the Threat to Kyle
Lisa’s obsession spirals into dangerous territory as she breaks into Derek and Sharon’s home. The baby sitter lets her in, and Lisa kidnaps baby Kyle leaving a kiss mark on his head. She manipulates situations to further isolate Derek and instill fear. The stakes are raised significantly when Lisa endangers their child.
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Derek Charles (Idris Elba): A successful and happily married asset manager whose life is disrupted by a seductive and obsessive temp worker.
- Sharon Charles (Beyoncé): Derek’s wife and a fiercely protective mother who becomes suspicious of her husband’s interactions with a new colleague.
- Lisa (Ali Larter): A temporary worker who develops a dangerous obsession with her married colleague, Derek.
- Ben (Jerry O’Connell): Derek’s close friend and colleague who provides advice and witnesses the escalating situation.
- Reese (Christine Lahti): The detective investigating Lisa’s obsession and the events surrounding Derek and Sharon.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Lisa: “Why are you being this way?” – Lisa repeatedly asks Derek this after he rejects her advances and tries to distance himself from her.
- Sharon: “Didn’t I tell you not to come to my house?” – Sharon says this before physically attacking Lisa when she finds her at their home.
- Sharon: “Nobody touches my child!” – Sharon yells this as she continues to punch Lisa after she gets near her baby.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $20,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $68,261,644
- Worldwide Gross: $73,830,347
💥 Obsessed Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I went into this expecting a cheesy thriller, and it delivered! The catfight is epic, and honestly, that’s what most people remember anyway. Beyonce’s “I’ll show you crazy!” line is iconic, even if the acting is a bit over the top. It’s a fun, mindless watch if you’re in the mood for some drama and a good laugh. I definitely screamed at the screen during the attic scene. The film is not winning any awards, but as far as guilty pleasures go, it’s a solid choice.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of erotic thrillers”
- “Viewers interested in movies about stalking and obsession”
- “Those who enjoy films featuring strong female leads”
- “Fans of Idris Elba and Beyonce”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Sexual content”
- “Violence”
- “Suggestive scenes”
- “Strong language”
- “Themes of obsession and stalking”
Professional Reviews
- Entertainment Weekly: “Obsessed rehashes familiar thriller tropes with little flair. Elba and Knowles are charismatic, but the script offers them little to work with. Larter delivers a suitably unhinged performance, but the film lacks genuine suspense or psychological depth. Ultimately forgettable.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “While Obsessed offers a few tense moments and a memorable catfight, the film suffers from predictable plotting and underdeveloped characters. Elba brings gravitas to his role, but Knowles’ performance is uneven. Larter shines as the obsessed temp, but her character’s motivations remain unclear.
- Variety: “A derivative thriller that fails to generate much excitement or suspense. The performances are generally adequate, but the script lacks originality and the direction is pedestrian. The climactic showdown is entertaining but ultimately unsatisfying.
Audience Reactions
The fight scene between Beyonce and Ali Larter was intense and exciting.: Viewers generally found the catfight to be the most memorable and entertaining part of the movie.
Many felt that Beyonce’s acting was a little wooden, especially in the beginning.: Beyonce’s performance was not as good as other movies she acted in.
Overall Consensus: Obsessed is a predictable and campy thriller that’s best enjoyed as a guilty pleasure. While the acting is uneven, the film delivers a memorable catfight and some entertaining moments.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “A passionate sex scene between Derek and Sharon was written in the original script but was never filmed.”
- “The original working title for the film was ‘Oh No She Didn’t’.”
- “Many critics and viewers have drawn comparisons between ‘Obsessed’ and ‘Fatal Attraction’.”
🖥️ How to Watch Obsessed?
Obsessed (2009) is available to rent or buy on various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability. Unfortunately, it is not currently available for free streaming on subscription services like Netflix or Hulu. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Obsessed, you might like these similar films:
- Fatal Attraction (1987): A direct comparison, exploring similar themes of infidelity and obsession with a dangerous, escalating situation.
- The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992): Focuses on a woman’s calculated infiltration into a family and her disturbing obsession, creating a similar sense of unease.
- Unfaithful (2002): Explores the consequences of infidelity and the resulting tensions and dangers within a marriage.
- Swimfan (2002): A modern equivalent, dealing with a high school swimmer who becomes the object of a dangerous obsession from a classmate.
🛒 Obsessed Related Products
- Obsessed [Blu-ray]: Own the thriller that sparked a thousand memes. Includes behind-the-scenes footage and extended scenes.
- Beyoncé Knowles – I Am… Sasha Fierce [CD]: Get the iconic double album from Beyonce, that showcase her artistic power. Includes her song “Smash Into You” featured in Obsessed.
- Ali Larter Autographed 8×10 Photo: Own a signed photograph of Ali Larter, the unforgettable star of Obsessed.
- “I’ll Show You Crazy” T-Shirt: Show your love for the movie with this funny t-shirt, featuring the movie’s quote.
🎧 Soundtrack
Obsessed features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
No, ‘Obsessed’ (2009) is not based on a true story. It is a fictional thriller that borrows elements from other films in the genre, such as ‘Fatal Attraction.’
The film explores themes of obsession, infidelity, trust, and the importance of communication in a marriage. It also highlights the dangers of unchecked infatuation and the lengths to which some individuals will go to pursue their desires.
Sharon kicked Derek out because she was suspicious of his relationship with Lisa and felt he had been dishonest about Lisa’s advances toward him. She felt her trust had been betrayed and needed space to process the situation.
The movie ‘Obsessed’ was filmed in various locations in California, including Altadena, which served as the backdrop for the family home environs.
🔥 Bonus Content
Zodiac – The Art of Obsession
Ever wondered what makes Zodiac so captivating? This video dives deep into the movie’s exploration of obsession, revealing how it drives the characters and the plot. It’s a fascinating look at the darker side of human nature!
Vertigo, Hitchcock & the Spiral — Vertigo Film Analysis and the Perfect Symbol for Obsession
Want to understand how the spiral perfectly symbolizes obsession in Hitchcock’s Vertigo? This video breaks down the film’s motifs, from the score to the hairstyles, and it’s really insightful. You’ll appreciate the movie on a whole new level!
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