Maya Kensington
If you’ve been following entertainment news, you’ve likely heard about the phenomenal success of Obsession, a horror film directed by Curry Barker. The story revolves around a reserved young man named Bear (Michael Johnston) who wishes for his childhood friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette) to love him above all else. this desire leads to unintended consequences, transforming Nikki into an obsessive and violent figure. Viewers are left questioning who truly plays the role of aggressor and victim in this gripping narrative.
Inde’s performance has garnered significant acclaim, showcasing her versatility as an actress. The film’s low budget pushed both her and the entire cast and crew to innovate with stunts, vocal expressions, and facial movements, resulting in a unique cinematic experience.
As Inde rises in prominence, establishing herself as a scream queen and one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents, Hollywood Life presents five intriguing facts you should know about her!
Inde Navarrette: Proudly Representing Arizona
Inde hails from Tucson, Arizona, where she began her journey before moving to Los Angeles, California, to pursue her career in acting.
Inde’s Childhood Was Filled with Frequent Relocations
Due to her father’s military career, Inde and her family relocated numerous times throughout her childhood. By her teenage years, she had attended several different schools, adapting to new environments and experiences along the way.
Inde’s Breakthrough Role in 13 Reasons Why
While striving to establish her career in the film industry, Inde secured a role in the popular Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. In its fourth season, she portrayed Estela de la Cruz, gaining recognition among viewers.
Inde Displayed Her Fearlessness by Performing Stunts in Obsession
Fans of Obsession will recall a particularly intense scene in which Inde, portraying Nikki, drives her head through the car window, repeatedly slamming her friend Sarah (Megan Lawless) against the steering wheel, all while Bear screams in terror from the passenger seat.
Inde executed this thrilling sequence without a stunt double, donning a helmet beneath her wig for safety. Remarkably, she had to complete this challenging scene in just one take, showcasing her commitment to the role.
“Nikki’s movement was a collaborative effort between Curry and me. We crafted it from the ground up because we were eager to establish a unique style,” Inde shared in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “Once we got involved with the project, we accelerated the process. The film was shot in just 26 days, and being an indie-budget production meant we had limited resources. this constraint fostered a natural movement for my character.”
Although she admits she’s “not naturally inclined towards movement,” Inde reflected on her background in dance, stating, “Curry would demonstrate movements from across the room, and I would replicate them, adjusting as needed. Essentially, Curry Barker acted as my choreographer throughout this project.”
Every Expression of ‘Freaky Nikki’ Is Authentically Inde
All the unsettling facial expressions that “freaky Nikki” showcases in the film are solely Inde’s creations, from her pouty frown to her unsettling smile.
“Yes, everything you see in the movie—whether it’s my facial expressions or vocalizations—is all me. We steered clear of using AI or CGI,” she revealed to THR. “Everything was done practically. Some effects were altered for sound design purposes, but Curry and I had a blast experimenting with our voices. It was exhilarating, especially during the lengthy monologue that doubled as my audition scene. I remember thinking, ‘I’m going to enjoy this because it’s all or nothing!’”
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