Curry Barker's independently produced horror film, Obsession, has quickly transitioned from a surprising theatrical success to a dominant force on video on demand. The film, which premiered on VOD on June 30, has already secured the number one spot on Apple TV's VOD charts and is the third most rented film on Vudu in the U.S., according to FlixPatrol. This digital performance follows a remarkably strong theatrical run.
Made on a modest budget of $750,000, Obsession exceeded expectations significantly. Its opening weekend in theaters grossed $17.2 million, and in a rare feat for any film, it earned more in its second weekend, bringing in $23.9 million. Six weeks after its release, the film's total box office earnings have surpassed $370 million, a substantial return for its initial investment.
The film's plot centers on Bear, an awkward young man who uses a "One Wish Willow" novelty toy to make his crush, Nikki, fall in love with him. The wish is granted with extreme intensity, leading to Nikki becoming possessive and violent in her pursuit of Bear's constant attention. Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette star as Bear and Nikki, respectively.
Beyond Obsession, director Curry Barker has a notable slate of upcoming projects. His previous directorial work includes the 2024 found footage film Milk & Serial and content for a YouTube sketch comedy channel. His next project, Anything But Ghosts, is a supernatural horror film currently in post-production, featuring actors Aaron Paul, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Violet McGraw. Barker also wrote and directed this film.
Furthermore, A24 has tapped Barker to write and direct a new adaptation of Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Describing his vision for the project to Variety, Barker stated it would be "grounded, brutal [and] raw. It should be very, very uncomfortable." Given the critical and commercial reception of Obsession, Barker's approach to the classic horror property is anticipated by many in the genre.