Movie enthusiasts worldwide have shown immense interest in the film “Obsession,” mirroring the fervor of its deranged and murderous protagonist. According to a report by The Wrap on Sunday, the horror sensation has officially exceeded the $500-million mark in global box office earnings, marking a significant achievement as the first original film of the 2020s to reach this milestone.
Surpassing Pixar’s 2023 animated hit “Elemental,” which grossed $494.6 million globally, “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 film, depicting a woman consumed by violent obsession after a supernatural wish from a young man, has also claimed the record for the highest-grossing film ever produced for under $1 million, with a modest budget of $750,000.
Written and directed by the 26-year-old Curry Barker, “Obsession” made its theatrical debut on May 15 and showed a rare trend reminiscent of “E.T.” by increasing its weekly grosses during each of its first three weeks in cinemas. The film’s success continued throughout its U.S. theatrical run, earning $263.4 million domestically and $238.1 million internationally, resulting in a worldwide total of $501.5 million and counting, according to Box Office Mojo. The movie is also set for release in South Korea in the near future.
Moreover, “Obsession” has broken records as the highest-grossing festival acquisition in history, with Focus Features acquiring the film post its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last September. The film’s exceptional commercial triumph has opened doors for its young cast, with lead actress Inde Navarette securing a role as heroine Rogue in Marvel’s upcoming “X-Men” film, and lead actor Michael Johnston reportedly in discussions to star alongside Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in Universal’s new “The Mummy” movie.
The overwhelming success of “Obsession” is expected to set the stage for Barker’s next venture. As per The Wrap, the filmmaker is currently working on a horror film titled “Anything but Ghosts,” in which he will also star alongside co-writer Cooper Tomlinson.