Movie audiences worldwide have shown a strong interest in the film “Obsession,” matching the fervor of the movie’s deranged protagonist. The horror flick recently achieved a significant milestone by surpassing the $500 million mark at the global box office, making it the first original film of the 2020s to reach this landmark.
“Obsession” has outperformed Pixar’s 2023 animated success, “Elemental,” which grossed $494.6 million globally, establishing itself as the highest-grossing original movie in the post-pandemic era. This micro-budget film, centered around a woman consumed by violent obsession triggered by a selfish wish from a young man, has also become the most lucrative film ever made for less than $1 million, with a production budget of only $750,000.
The movie, written and directed by 26-year-old Curry Barker, premiered in theaters on May 15 and has seen a remarkable trajectory at the box office. It experienced a consistent increase in weekly grosses during its initial three weeks, a feat not seen since “E.T.” The film concluded its U.S. theatrical run on August 14, amassing $263.4 million domestically and $238.1 million internationally, bringing its total earnings to $501.5 million and counting.
Despite its impressive success, “Obsession” is set for a release in South Korea, hinting at further financial gains. The film’s achievements include being the highest-grossing festival acquisition ever, with Focus Features acquiring it post its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.
The commercial triumph of “Obsession” has opened doors for its young cast members, with lead actress Inde Navarette landing a role as Rogue in Marvel’s upcoming “X-Men” film, and lead actor Michael Johnston in talks to join the cast of Universal’s new “The Mummy” movie alongside Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz.
The overwhelming success of “Obsession” is paving the way for Barker’s next venture, a horror film titled “Anything but Ghosts,” in which he will also star alongside co-writer Cooper Tomlinson.