One of the most controversial series currently is Obsession (Phantom, Love and Revenge), based on the novel Damage (1991) by British author Josephine Hart.
This 18+ series consists of 4 episodes and premiered on April 13, featuring William (Richard Armitage), a successful surgeon in London, who becomes entangled in an illicit affair with Anna (Charlie Murphy), the fiancée of William’s son.
In episode 2, William follows Anna to Paris and rents a hotel room where she just checked out. Anna’s lingering scent on the sheets leaves William unable to resist the temptation, leading to a scandalous encounter with the hotel staff, which he describes as “in the moment” while lying on the bed.
Richard Armitage’s character is haunted by the fiancée of his son when he checks into a hotel room, “in the moment” with the hotel staff. Image: Netflix.
The scene in the film leaves viewers stunned. It raises questions about the portrayal of the main character’s psyche, balancing between desire and morality.
Many comments have surfaced on Twitter: “After watching the film, I think I’ll bring my own sheets and pillow to my next hotel stay,” “This man is the father, the husband, and my son’s fiancée. That pillow shouldn’t have been treated that way,” “The lesson learned from this film is to never trust any man in a hotel room. The scent of the pillow feels more familiar than my own…”
Richard Armitage explained that the controversial scene was not in the script but came from his and the director’s understanding of the character’s psychological turmoil.
“Every scene unfolds unexpectedly because the scene in the script is entirely different. We had prepared a tissue with the woman’s lipstick on it, but after the scene, it felt incomprehensible. I think it should not turn into a comedic moment in any way. Therefore, we allowed it to unfold organically and somewhat naturally. Charlie had a scent she used throughout the filming process in various scenes that I wasn’t aware of. However, it inspired me and influenced the scene. Creating it was truly not in the plan,” he revealed to Independent.
Despite the scandalous elements, Obsession has not been well-received by viewers. The series only received a 21% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences criticized the plot and characters for being dull, not bringing any significant meaning, instead making it feel like a senseless erotic film.
Obsession is criticized as a senseless erotic film. Image: Netflix.
According to NY Post
