Inde Navarrette Thought She Had Failed Her Obsession Audition
Inde Navarrette has shared how she landed the lead role of Nikki in the indie horror film Obsession. The actress admitted that she initially believed her audition had gone badly.
Navarrette discussed the experience during a panel at the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday, September 11. She appeared with filmmaker and comedian Curry Barker, who wrote and directed the movie.
The film arrived in May and follows a hopeless romantic whose magical wish to win over his crush leads to unexpected chaos.
Navarrette Wanted to Explore a New Side of Acting
Before joining Obsession, Navarrette appeared in The CW’s superhero drama Superman & Lois from 2021 to 2024.
The actress said she wanted to take on a role that felt completely different from her earlier work. She also wanted an opportunity to show audiences a wider range of her acting skills.
Barker’s screenplay offered exactly that chance. The unusual story and unpredictable direction of the plot attracted Navarrette to the project.
Nikki Offered Plenty of Creative Possibilities
Navarrette quickly connected with the character of Nikki. She believed the role gave her the freedom to explore different emotions and performance styles.
The actress saw the part as an opportunity to challenge herself. She also felt excited about working on a film that moved away from the projects audiences had previously associated with her.
For Navarrette, the role represented more than another acting job. It gave her the chance to prove that she could handle a different kind of character.
The Actress Thought She Had “Bombed” the Audition
Despite her interest in the film, Navarrette did not feel confident after her audition. She recalled completing a Zoom meeting and assuming that she had made a poor impression.
“I thought I bombed it,” she said while describing the casting process.
She also felt uncertain during the chemistry readings. However, her own doubts did not match Barker’s reaction to the meeting.
Curry Barker Saw an Immediate Connection
Barker remembered his first meeting with Navarrette in a much more positive way. He said their Zoom conversation felt energetic and natural.
The filmmaker described the interaction as “pretty electric.” His response suggested that he saw strong potential in Navarrette from the beginning.
Navarrette later expressed gratitude that Barker noticed something in her performance that she felt she had not clearly shown.
Her Experience Offers Encouragement to Actors
Navarrette’s story also carries a message for performers who often worry about their auditions. She explained that actors may judge themselves too harshly after a performance.
A reading that feels unsuccessful to an actor can still impress a director or casting team. In her case, Barker recognized qualities that Navarrette herself had not noticed during the audition.
Speaking to the audience, she encouraged actors not to assume they have failed simply because they feel nervous or dissatisfied afterward.
Navarrette ultimately secured the role of Nikki in Obsession. The film allowed her to explore new creative territory and demonstrate her acting range beyond Superman & Lois. Her experience shows that an audition that feels disappointing can still lead to an important career opportunity.