In an intriguing blend of talent, a 2009 psychological thriller brings together one of the most talked-about singers of our era and a top-tier British thespian, now up for grabs on Amazon Prime Video.
Helmed by Steve Shill with a screenplay penned by David Loughery, Obsessed assembles Beyoncé and Idris Elba as the central characters in a cast including Ali Larter, Bruce McGill, Jerry O’Connell, and Christine Lahti.
The critics have been harsh, handing the flick a meagre 19 per cent approval score on Rotten Tomatoes, where the film’s synopsis states: “Things couldn’t be better for Derek Charles (Idris Elba). He’s just received a big promotion at work, and has a wonderful marriage with his beautiful wife, Sharon (Beyoncé Knowles). However, into this idyllic world steps Lisa (Ali Larter), a temporary worker at Derek’s office. Lisa begins to stalk Derek, jeopardizing all he holds dear.”
While it might not have been a hit with the critics, Obsessed clinched the MTV Movie Award for Best Fight at the star-studded 2010 MTV Movie Awards, and despite the chilly reception from movie reviewers, it managed a respectable surge at the box office, raking in $73.8 million globally off a $20 million production budget.
However, there’s no denying the film’s reception was less than warm. One reviewer didn’t mince words and wrote: “It’s execrable; a fist-chewing embarrassment that has no right to a theatrical release.”
Another tore into the Beyoncé-led project with: “This lame and laughable stalker-thriller makes Fatal Attraction look thoughtful.”
One reviewer opted for a tongue-in-cheek assessment, highlighting the film’s few redeeming qualities: “This biracial entry in the psycho-bitch stalker sweepstakes is inept and stupid but not without its base pleasures.”
In a 2009 conversation with Oprah.com, Idris Elba reflected on his time working alongside Beyoncé, saying: “She’s a true professional – a very smart, talented, giving actress. It was a very good experience, and we had a phenomenal time. We got thrown into working on the film very quickly, and we didn’t know each other at all.”
He added: “Honestly, within 20 minutes of meeting each other we were playing man and wife, and that’s a challenge for any actor. … We also had some good chemistry, which definitely helped toward making sure we looked married for real.”
Despite the undeniable on-screen chemistry between the leads, the film failed to win over audiences, with one criticising it as: “An over-the-top Fatal Attraction with terrible acting, ridiculous script, and horrible story.”
Another viewer was equally unimpressed with Beyoncé’s acting abilities, stating: “It just did everything wrong. Not interesting at all, could have maybe gone into Lisa’s back story a little bit, other than “she’s just crazy” scenario and Beyoncé can’t act to save her life, stick to the singing, girl.”
While one viewer stated: “Idris Elba will always be great in every role, but not even he can save this brainless rip-off of Fatal Attraction. This movie is completely shameless to an obnoxious degree.”
Obsessed is available for rent on Amazon Prime Video at a cost of £3.49.