Curry Barker’s debut feature, Obsession, is becoming a major box-office phenomenon. The horror film has earned more than $68 million in North America in less than two weeks, despite being made on a reported $750,000 budget. Over the Memorial Day weekend, the movie posted a remarkable $23.9 million three-day total, up 39.4% from its opening weekend of $17.2 million in 2,615 theaters. That kind of second-weekend jump is highly unusual for a wide release, especially one playing in more than 2,500 theaters.
Industry analysts say the film’s performance is unlike almost anything they have seen. Comscore box office analyst Paul Dergarabedian said the movie’s run has no real modern comparison, while Focus Features distribution chief Lisa Bunnell said the title has behaved in ways the company had never experienced before. One reason for the film’s strength appears to be its audience makeup: about 75% of viewers are between 18 and 34, a group heavily made up of Gen Z moviegoers and younger millennials. That demographic has shown strong enthusiasm for theatrical experiences and repeat visits.
The film opened well above expectations and quickly climbed to the top of the box office on weekdays before being overtaken by a major franchise release. It also outperformed another title, Michael, during the holiday weekend, and it was the only top-10 movie to rise on Sunday compared with Saturday. On Memorial Day itself, the film earned a stronger-than-expected $8 million, bringing its 11-day domestic total to $62.4 million. By Tuesday, May 26, it had reached $67.9 million, with $68 million and possibly $70 million within reach shortly after.
Focus Features secured the distribution rights to Obsession after a competitive bidding process that included A24 and Neon, reportedly paying $15 million after the film premiered at the 2025 Toronto Film Festival. The studio invested heavily in marketing and merchandising, including tie-in items based on the movie’s central object, the “One Wish Willow.” Focus also worked closely with AMC Theatres and Alamo Drafthouse to build early momentum, including exclusive merchandise and premium placement.
Directed by Barker, the film follows a young man named Bear, played by Michael Johnston, who uses a magical object to make the woman he loves return his feelings. The wish leads to terrifying consequences. The movie has also earned critical praise, holding a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score.
The success is especially notable for Barker, who built a fan base on YouTube through his sketch comedy channel That’s a Bad Idea and his earlier low-budget feature Milk & Serial. He has already completed his next movie, Anything But Ghosts, and is also attached to write, direct, and produce a new Texas Chainsaw Massacre film for A24.
