The horror film “Obsession” has achieved phenomenal success, exceeding all expectations. With a modest budget of $750,000 US, the 2025 movie has shattered records by grossing over $400 million US at the box office. Directed by the talented 26-year-old Curry Barker, “Obsession” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and hit theaters on May 15, captivating audiences since then. Domestically, the film raked in more than $245 million US, while internationally it amassed over $158 million US, totaling a staggering $403 million US in earnings.
Acquired by Focus Features for around $14 million US following its festival debut, “Obsession” now stands as the company’s most successful film in its 24-year history and is hailed as one of the most profitable movies ever made. The film’s theatrical triumph led to the delay of its video-on-demand release, which eventually took place on June 30. Fans can anticipate its upcoming release on Blu-ray 4K and DVD on July 14.
The storyline of “Obsession” revolves around Bear (played by Michael Johnston), a socially awkward young man entangled in unrequited love for his friend Nikki (portrayed by Inde Navarrette). The plot takes a dark turn after Bear naively uses a “One Wish Willow” to make a wish for Nikki’s love, triggering a series of chilling and bloody events.
The success of “Obsession” mirrors a broader trend in the horror genre, exemplified by the 2026 horror film “Backrooms,” directed by 20-year-old Kane Parsons. Both movies have sparked discussions about the emergence of Gen Z filmmakers and their influence on attracting younger audiences to cinemas. Michael Stasko, a filmmaker and professor at the University of Windsor, attributes part of “Obsession’s” triumph to its compelling and concise script.
Director Curry Barker’s journey to success was not instantaneous, as he honed his skills over years on his YouTube channel alongside his friend Cooper Tomlinson, who also stars in “Obsession.” Barker’s dedicated online following of approximately 1.5 million subscribers underscores the growing importance for filmmakers to cultivate an audience before pitching their projects to distributors.
Notably, Barker’s and Parsons’ backgrounds in YouTube filmmaking signal a potential shift in the industry, with their adeptness at engaging with digital media and refining their craft at a young age setting them apart. Ernest Mathijs, a film studies professor at the University of British Columbia, believes that Barker and Parsons are accelerating their learning curve compared to traditional filmmakers, marking a significant evolution in the filmmaking landscape.
With Barker already working on another horror film, “Anything But Ghosts,” set to release next year within the same universe as “Obsession,” his creative endeavors show no sign of slowing down. Additionally, he is slated to write and direct a remake of “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” and is contemplating a series exploring the consequences of wishes gone awry.
Overall, “Obsession” stands as a testament to the power of innovative storytelling and the potential of young filmmakers to make a lasting impact on the cinematic landscape.
