OBSESSED
A well-made marriage thriller with a strong moral message — for adults only.
Should You Watch It?
Obsessed offers something uncommon in a Hollywood thriller: a serious affirmation of marriage and fidelity. Derek loves his wife, Sharon, and rejects the advances of a disturbed temporary secretary. But because he keeps the harassment from Sharon, his silence creates suspicion and puts pressure on an otherwise honest marriage.
The film is well made and suspenseful, with strong performances carrying much of the emotion. But the moral message comes wrapped in persistent seduction, sexual content, lots of foul language, and strong violence. The film’s central commitment to marriage is worthwhile, but the path there is not suitable for children or young teens.
If you are a discerning adult or older teenager, Obsessed is worth considering; for a family audience, choose something else.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESDerek and Sharon are a loving couple beginning life in a new house and living the American dream. At Derek’s office, Lisa, a temporary secretary, begins making sexual advances toward him. Derek rejects her, but he does not tell Sharon.
Lisa becomes determined to break up the marriage. As her efforts intensify, Sharon starts to suspect that something is wrong. Soon, the couple must confront a threat to their relationship.
Is It Any Good?
Three stars means Obsessed is a solid, well-made thriller with real dramatic appeal, though it is not without weaknesses. The story twists and turns as viewers get deeper into Lisa’s disturbed mind, and the suspense keeps building.
The performances by Idris Alba as Derek and Ali Larter as Lisa are excellent. Their acting carries the emotions of the film. Beyoncé struggles somewhat in the role of Sharon, however, which keeps the drama from being fully consistent.
The Worldview
Obsessed has a strong moral worldview centered on the importance of marriage and fidelity. Derek is perhaps unwise at times, but he remains committed to his wife and struggles to resist Lisa’s advances. Sharon’s commitment to making the marriage work, rather than considering divorce, strengthens her resolve.
The film presents adultery as destructive rather than glamorous, and it makes marriage the relationship worth protecting. However, its moral message is mixed with a constant theme of seduction, sexual content, foul language, violence, alcohol use, and other immoral behavior. The film recognizes the value of marital faithfulness, but it does so within a story filled with temptations that may trouble discerning viewers.
The film’s central longing is for a marriage preserved through pressure and betrayal. Scripture likewise honors marital faithfulness: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Strong moral worldview with the importance of marriage and fidelity underscored; 17 obscenities, four strong profanities and 10 light profanities; strong violence includes extensive fight scene between two women and one character falls and dies; sexual content includes references, implied married sex and constant unsuccessful attempts by woman to seduce married man; woman in lingerie and female cleavage, plus upper male nudity; alcohol use and drunkenness; tranquilizer used to nock out man; and, lust, pressure to commit adultery, kidnapping.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Derek rejects Lisa’s advances but does not tell Sharon. Why can secrecy damage trust even when someone has not committed adultery?
Ephesians 4:25 · Proverbs 12:22The film treats marriage and fidelity as worth protecting. What does it mean to “hold fast” to your spouse in difficult circumstances?
Genesis 2:24 · Hebrews 13:4Lisa tries to pressure Derek into adultery. How can people recognize temptation before it grows stronger?
1 Corinthians 10:13 · 2 Timothy 2:22Sharon chooses to work to preserve her marriage. What kinds of wisdom and help should a couple seek when trust is threatened?
Proverbs 15:22 · Galatians 6:2The Final Word
Obsessed is a well-made, thrilling drama with a strong message about marriage and fidelity. Its foul language, sexual content, seduction, and violence make it unsuitable for children and young teens. For discerning adults and older teenagers, the answer is WORTH THE TRIP — ADULTS ONLY. For a family movie night, see.
