Movie enthusiasts worldwide have shown significant interest in the film “Obsession,” mirroring the intense fixation of its deranged, murderous character. According to a recent report by The Wrap, the horror sensation has officially exceeded the $500 million mark in global box office earnings, marking it as the first original film of the 2020s to achieve this milestone.
“Obsession” has outperformed Pixar’s 2023 animated hit “Elemental,” which amassed $494.6 million globally, making it the highest-grossing original movie in the post-pandemic era, as noted by The Express Tribune. This micro-budget film, revolving around a woman consumed by violent fixation after a man selfishly wishes for her affection, has also become the most successful film produced with a budget of under $1 million, with reported production costs of only $750,000.
Directed and written by 26-year-old Curry Barker, “Obsession” premiered in theaters on May 15 and witnessed a rare achievement by increasing its weekly grosses during each of its initial three weeks, a feat not seen since “E.T.” The film’s successful domestic run culminated in $263.4 million, coupled with $238.1 million from international markets, resulting in a global sum of $501.5 million and counting, according to Box Office Mojo. A release in South Korea is still on the horizon.
Following its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival, Focus Features acquired “Obsession,” making it the highest-grossing festival acquisition to date. The movie’s commercial triumph has opened doors for its young cast members, with lead actress Inde Navarette set to portray Rogue in an upcoming Marvel “X-Men” installment, while male lead Michael Johnston is reportedly in discussions to join the cast of Universal’s new “The Mummy” alongside Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz.
The unparalleled success of “Obsession” is paving the way for Barker’s next endeavor, a horror film titled “Anything but Ghosts,” in which he will star alongside co-writer Cooper Tomlinson, as reported by The Wrap.