Obsession Climbs Again in Third Weekend at the Box Office, First Film to Do So Since E.T. in 1982
Curry Barker’s indie horror film Obsession is becoming a major box office breakout, defying expectations in a big way. In its third weekend, the movie rose 10% to earn an additional $26.4 million, coming after a 39% increase in its second weekend. According to Focus Features, via Variety, it is the first film since E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in 1982 to post second- and third-weekend gains outside the holiday season. The performance has made Obsession one of the rare horror titles to sustain momentum well beyond opening weekend.
The film has now grossed more than $106 million in North America and $148 million worldwide, despite being made on a reported production budget of just $1 million. That combination of low cost and massive return has turned Obsession into one of the most profitable releases of the year. It has also set a new all-time box office record for Focus Features, surpassing the studio’s previous top performer, Downton Abbey, which earned $96.8 million domestically in 2019.
Released in theaters on May 15, Obsession has also been a critical and audience hit. The movie currently holds a 96% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and a 95% audience score, reflecting strong word of mouth. The horror story follows a hopeless romantic, played by Michael Johnston, who breaks the mysterious “One Wish Willow” to win the affection of his crush, played by Inde Navarrette. What begins as a wish for love quickly turns dark as he learns that getting what he wants comes with a sinister price.
The success of the film is already generating momentum for its director, Curry Barker, who is 26 and previously known as a YouTuber before moving into filmmaking. Barker is reportedly drawing offers for his next project even though he has not yet formally pitched one. One studio has allegedly tried to secure his next original film in advance with a preemptive $10 million offer, underscoring how quickly he has become one of the most watched new voices in genre filmmaking.
Interest in a sequel is also growing. Barker has addressed the possibility of continuing the story, and Navarrette has also shared her thoughts on whether Obsession could return for another chapter. With its strong box office run, high audience approval, and buzz around the creative team, the film has emerged as one of the year’s biggest surprise successes in independent cinema.
