Movie enthusiasts worldwide have shown immense interest in the film “Obsession,” mirroring the intense fixation portrayed by the movie’s deranged and murderous girlfriend. Over the weekend, industry sources revealed that this horror sensation has officially exceeded the $500 million mark in global box office revenues, making it the first original film of the 2020s to achieve this milestone.
Surpassing Pixar’s 2023 animated hit “Elemental,” which earned $494.6 million globally, “Obsession” now holds the title of the highest-grossing original film in the post-pandemic era. Notably, this micro-budget production, depicting a woman spiraling into violent obsession after a supernatural wish from a young man, has also become the most profitable film ever made for under $1 million, with a production budget of just $750,000.
Written and directed by the 26-year-old Curry Barker, “Obsession” made its theatrical debut on May 15 and has seen a steady increase in weekly earnings, a rare feat since “E.T.” It concluded its U.S. theatrical run on August 14, amassing $263.4 million domestically and $238.1 million internationally, pushing its total global earnings past $501.5 million. A release in South Korea is on the horizon, adding to the film’s impressive box office performance.
Moreover, “Obsession” has broken records as the highest-grossing festival acquisition ever, following its acquisition by Focus Features post its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. The film’s unprecedented commercial success is already opening doors for its young cast members. Lead actress Inde Navarette is slated to portray Rogue in Marvel’s upcoming “X-Men” installment, while lead actor Michael Johnston is in discussions to join the cast of Universal’s new “The Mummy” movie alongside Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz.
The overwhelming triumph of “Obsession” is paving the way for Barker’s next venture. The filmmaker is currently working on a horror project titled “Anything but Ghosts,” in which he will star alongside co-writer Cooper Tomlinson.