Reggie

Reggie is a wealthy Englishman living in London, introduced as a friend of Minou and Peter. His origins are not deeply explored, but his wealth and social status allow him to move freely in high society. He becomes involved in a blackmail scheme targeting Minou, using her past trauma to destabilize her.[edit]

Reggie is charming and flirtatious on the surface, but he hides a manipulative and predatory nature. He is skilled at psychological manipulation, using gaslighting to control Minou. His calm demeanor masks a ruthless ambition, as he exploits others for personal gain without remorse.[edit]

Reggie initially appears as a supportive friend to Minou and Peter. As the plot unfolds, he begins gaslighting Minou, suggesting she may have committed a murder she cannot remember. He uses her past assault to destabilize her, eventually revealing that he and Dominique are blackmailing her to force Peter into a business deal. Reggie is exposed in the climax and presumably arrested, though the film ends ambiguously. He shows no redemption.[edit]

Reggie has a niche following among fans of Italian giallo cinema and erotic thrillers from the 1970s. He is often cited as a memorable example of the charming villain archetype in the genre. Obsession itself gained a cult status, partly due to its twist ending. Reggie is not widely known outside cult film circles, but he is appreciated for his role in the film's psychological tension.[edit]