It appears that audiences worldwide have shown a strong interest in the movie “Obsession,” mirroring the intense fixation of the film’s deranged protagonist.
Recently, it was revealed by The Wrap that the horror sensation has exceeded the $500 million mark in global box office revenue, making it the first original film of the 2020s to achieve this milestone. Surpassing Pixar’s “Elemental,” which earned $494.6 million worldwide in 2023, “Obsession” now holds the title of the highest-grossing original movie in the post-pandemic era, as reported by The Express Tribune.
This micro-budget production, which follows a woman consumed by violent fixation after a man selfishly wishes for her affection, has also become the top-grossing film ever made for under $1 million. With a budget of just $750,000, “Obsession” outshines the 1973 classic “Enter the Dragon,” produced for $850,000 and grossing $400 million through various re-releases.
Penned and helmed by 26-year-old Curry Barker, the film premiered on May 15 and enjoyed a rare feat by seeing its weekly earnings rise consistently during its first three weeks in theaters, a trend not witnessed since “E.T.” By the conclusion of its U.S. theatrical run on August 14, “Obsession” raked in $263.4 million domestically and an additional $238.1 million internationally, amassing a total of $501.5 million and climbing, according to Box Office Mojo. A forthcoming release in South Korea is anticipated.
After being picked up by Focus Features post its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival, “Obsession” now holds the record as the most lucrative festival acquisition. The film’s commercial triumph has already opened doors for its young cast members. Lead actress Inde Navarette is slated to portray Rogue in Marvel’s upcoming “X-Men” installment, while lead actor Michael Johnston is reportedly in discussions to join Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in Universal’s upcoming “The Mummy” project.
The film’s overwhelming success is expected to pave the way for Barker’s next venture. The filmmaker is said to be working on a horror film titled “Anything but Ghosts,” in which he will also star alongside co-writer Cooper Tomlinson, as per The Wrap.