Obsessed (2009 film)

Obsessed (2009 film) is a psychological thriller directed by Steve Shill and produced by Will Packer and Glenn S. Gainor. The film features an ensemble cast, including Beyoncé, Ali Larter, Idris Elba, Jerry O'Connell, and Christine Lahti, and was released by Screen Gems in the United States. The movie was filmed in various locations, including Los Angeles, New York City, and Atlanta, and premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival before its wide release. The film's score was composed by James Dooley, who has also worked on films like Eagle Eye and The Last House on the Left.

Plot

The film's plot revolves around Derek Charles (played by Idris Elba), a successful asset manager who is married to Sharon Charles (played by Beyoncé), a beautiful and charming housewife. The couple's life is turned upside down when Derek meets Lisa Sheridan (played by Ali Larter), a stunning and seductive temp worker who becomes obsessed with Derek and starts to stalk him. As Lisa's obsession grows, she begins to infiltrate Derek's life, causing tension in his marriage and relationships with his friends and family, including his business partner, Patrick Baugh (played by Jerry O'Connell), and his mother-in-law, Sandra (played by Christine Lahti). The film's plot is reminiscent of classic thrillers like Play Misty for Me and Fatal Attraction, which also feature themes of obsession and stalking.

Production

The film was produced by Rainforest Films and Parkwood Entertainment, with Will Packer and Glenn S. Gainor serving as producers. The screenplay was written by David Loughery, who has also worked on films like Lakeview Terrace and Money Train. The film's cinematography was handled by Ken Seng, who has worked on films like The Losers and V for Vendetta. The editing was done by Paul Seydor, who has also worked on films like The Mask of Zorro and National Treasure: Book of Secrets. The film's production team also included Beyoncé's husband, Jay-Z, who served as an executive producer, along with Mathew Knowles, Trey Songz, and Solange Knowles.

Cast

The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Beyoncé, Ali Larter, Idris Elba, Jerry O'Connell, and Christine Lahti. Beyoncé plays the role of Sharon Charles, a beautiful and charming housewife who is married to Derek Charles (played by Idris Elba). Ali Larter plays the role of Lisa Sheridan, a stunning and seductive temp worker who becomes obsessed with Derek. Jerry O'Connell plays the role of Patrick Baugh, Derek's business partner, while Christine Lahti plays the role of Sandra, Sharon's mother. The cast also includes Nathan Myers, Scout Taylor-Compton, and Bruce McGill, among others. The film's cast has also appeared in other notable films and television shows, such as Dreamgirls, Gossip Girl, The Office (US), and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Release

The film was released by Screen Gems in the United States on April 24, 2009. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival before its wide release and was also screened at the Los Angeles Film Festival and the American Black Film Festival. The film was released on DVD and Blu-ray on August 4, 2009, and features bonus material, including deleted scenes and a making-of documentary. The film's release was accompanied by a marketing campaign that included television spots, print ads, and promotional partnerships with companies like Sony and Verizon. The film's soundtrack features music by Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Rihanna, among others.

Reception

The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the performances of the cast, particularly Beyoncé and Ali Larter. The film holds a 19% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 102 reviews, with an average rating of 4.2/10. The site's consensus reads: "The thriller Obsessed is a predictable, clichéd stalker movie that fails to deliver on its promising premise." The film was also nominated for several awards, including a Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Drama and a BET Award for Best Actress (won by Beyoncé). Despite the mixed reviews, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $73 million at the box office worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 2009, along with Avatar, The Hangover, and New Moon. The film's success can be attributed to the popularity of its cast, including Beyoncé, who has also appeared in films like Dreamgirls and The Lion King (2019 film), and Ali Larter, who has also appeared in films like Final Destination and Resident Evil: Extinction.