The horror film “Obsession” has achieved remarkable success, surpassing expectations by becoming the highest-grossing film of 2025 despite its modest $750,000 US budget. Directed by 26-year-old Curry Barker, the American movie made its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and was later released in theaters on May 15. Since then, it has consistently dominated the box office, earning over $245 million US domestically and more than $158 million US internationally, totaling a remarkable $403 million US in box office sales.
Focus Features acquired the film for around $14 million US after its successful festival run, making it the most significant hit in the company’s 24-year history. The movie’s commercial success prompted the postponement of its video-on-demand release, which eventually occurred on June 30. The film is now available on various streaming platforms and is scheduled for Blu-ray 4K and DVD release on July 14.
“Obsession” narrates the tale of Bear (Michael Johnston), a socially awkward young man entangled in unrequited love for his friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette). Things take a dark and bloody turn when Bear uses a “One Wish Willow” to wish for Nikki’s love beyond measure, only to discover the dire consequences of his ill-worded desire.
The film’s triumph at the box office coincides with the success of another horror film, “Backrooms” (2026), directed by 20-year-old Kane Parsons. These films have sparked discussions within the industry about the emergence of Gen Z filmmakers and their ability to engage younger audiences in cinema.
According to filmmaker and University of Windsor professor Michael Stasko, “Obsession” owes part of its success to its compelling and succinct script. Unlike many horror films, “Obsession” manages to captivate viewers by seamlessly intertwining world-building, engaging dialogue, scares, visual intrigue, and character development.
Director Curry Barker’s background in creating content on YouTube, alongside his collaborator Cooper Tomlinson, has played a crucial role in the film’s success. Their YouTube channel, boasting approximately 1.5 million subscribers, served as a platform for honing their craft and building a dedicated audience without relying on extensive marketing budgets.
Film studies professor Ernest Mathijs from the University of British Columbia believes that Barker and Parsons represent a new wave of filmmakers who leverage their expertise in digital media to accelerate their learning curve and refine their skills at a young age. This shift in filmmaking dynamics may influence future generations of filmmakers.
Looking ahead, Barker has already completed filming for another horror project, “Anything But Ghosts,” set in the same universe as “Obsession” and slated for release next year. Additionally, he is set to write and direct a remake of “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” and is contemplating the development of an anthology series centered around wishes gone awry.