Several times I passed by Obsessed and commented that is looks like a racially charged love triangle film with a demure white woman seeking to steal a black woman’s husband. Well, that is exactly what the film is about, except not at all. Idris Elba (cool name) plays a brilliant and dynamic asset manager recently promoted within a major Fortune 500 corporation. He is married to Beryonce’s character and together they have a beautiful child. Why is this surprising? Beyonce is his former secretary, thus a red flag is automatically raised about his sexual character and office conduct. Enter a new temp, Ali Larter. With one brief elevator encounter and a few playful jokes thrown her way from Idris Elba, the poor woman is forever and psychotically in love. The first 45 minutes of this film are full of cat and mouse encounters. Ali uses Elba’s gay secretary for information and gossip about her new boss. At every opportunity she attempts to seduce him, rummages through his music and files, and plays weird and creepy games. She is undeterred by his marriage and often imagines that she is his wife instead of Beyonce. I guess if he had really liked the new girl her would have put a ring on it? Idris does encourage her in a few ways. When she pushes her way into his work life, he lets her know she is attractive and any man would be lucky to have her. She plays on his emotions, practically begging for compliments and support. When given any kind of encouragement it becomes a signal to her tortured mind that he is in love with her and no longer has any inkling of sentiment for his wife and child?

       What makes this movie great despite its predictability is its sickness. It never pretends to be an Oscar award winning movie. It is a twisted movie about a deranged woman who has gone over the edge and has sunk her teeth into a new boss with more fury and vengeance than ever before. Her endgame is so maniacal it is unclear, but the damage she is causing is horrible to watch. Idris Elba’s character is not the cheating type. He is faithful and devoted to his wife and is merely a decent human being who prefers not to act cruelly to a vulnerable employee. Sometimes all it takes is a smile, opening a door for someone, a kind word, and we provide ammunition for them to become a serial stalker. This happens every day. We never know who is watching us, fantasizing about us, or planning a meet cute without our knowledge. Ali Larter is unbelievably convincing as a femme fatal who will kill, lie, cheat, steal, and stalk regardless of the human cost. It is painful to watch, and the disturbing images and actions never stop. Enjoy!