‘Obsession’ and Other Horror Movies to Stream Now

Written By Josh Funk

By Erik Piepenburg,

Published July 17th, 2026 - The New York Times

In the twisted footsteps of “Monkey’s Magic Merry Go Round,” the coming “Buddy” and other horror movies about creepy children’s television shows, comes this inventive supernatural comedy.

The film opens as Miss Shirley (Gordy Cassel), a beloved ventriloquist and hostess of a Sacramento children’s television show, unexpectedly dies. In her will, Miss Shirley asks that three friends — Rose (Rocío de la Grana), Mary (Baylee Toney) and Mick (Dustin Vaught) — gather at her “Pee-wee’s Playhouse”-like home to track down her favorite puppet, the sweet-faced Sunny Smiles.

It takes a too-long 40 minutes for the horror to really kick in. But once it does, the filmmaker-animator Josh Funk serves a visual feast of furry monsters, gnarly low-fi practical effects, stop-motion animation and one disgusting puppet decapitation. In a standout scene, Vaught (who wrote the film with Funk) uses the slapstick chops of a silent movie clown to battle a killer towel and a scared little fuzzball in the toilet. The story ends on a heartbreaking note that covers a fabric face with human sorrow.

Josh Funk
I am an artist and filmmaker from Chico, CA specializing in dark and quirky creations that emphasize fantasy and imagination. Using practical methods such as stop-motion animation, illustration, props and elaborate sets, I strive for stunning and memorable images in all of my work. I began my career drawing and designing concert posters for bands, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Chico in 2007, founded the Design firm, Code Nine Design in 2008 and created an instructional Magic Graphic Novel (Sinful) in 2009 for Wayne Houchin (Discovery Channel Host of "Breaking Magic"). In 2013 I released my first stop-motion animated short film Wormholes and am currently developing a live action/stop-motion film titled The Spaceman. I am very passionate about creating and collaborating and look forward to the coming years and what challenges and opportunities they may bring. EMPLOYMENT: Producer, Director Heavy Signal January 2012 – Present (3 years)Chico, california area Producer and Director for Music Videos and short films including the stop-motion animated short "Wormholes". I am currently in production on the live-action / stop-motion film "The Spaceman" due out in February, 2015. Freelance: Illustration / Stop-Motion Animation / Design June 2000 – Present (14 years 7 months)Chico, California Area Illustration: My illustration work specializes in mixing pencil and digital mediums together. My subject matter is strongly based on character design, animals, and other worldly creatures. Stop-Motion Animation: I have experience animating, creating storyboards, puppet, & set design for stop-motion animated projects. Design: My design focuses on album covers, movie posters, and promotional materials within the entertainment industries. Songwriting & Music Production June 1996 – Present (18 years 7 months)Chico, California Area Songwriting and Music Production for albums, independent films and instructional DVDs released worldwide. Visiting Lecturer California State University, Chico September 2014 – September 2014 (1 month) Lectured on my experience with Stop-Motion Animation, book illustration, filmmaking and how to use your art degree after graduation. Freelance Writer Videomaker July 2013 – January 2014 (7 months)Videomaker Stop-Motion animation writer for Videomaker.com on the topic of Stop-Motion Animation Techniques. Creative Consultant WH Entertainment March 2013 – July 2013 (5 months) Creative Consultant and Art Director for the world touring production "Moments of Insanity". Owner, Designer Code Nine Design LLC July 2008 – December 2011 (3 years 6 months) A Northern California based Design Firm that focused on Illustration, Branding Campaigns within the Music & Entertainment Industry, & Web Design. EDUCATION: California State University-Chico B.A, Art Studio 2004 – 2007 In Drawing & Electronic Art. Minor in Art History. INTERESTS: - Stop-Motion Animation - Illustration - Filmmaking
www.joshfunk.com
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