Emerging director Curry Barker has made a splash with his supernatural horror film Obsession, pulling in an impressive $2.6 million during its Thursday previews and early access screenings. This strong debut is particularly noteworthy since the film had a modest production budget of just $1 million. Predictions suggest it could reach between $10 million and $12 million domestically over the Memorial Day weekend.
As Obsession opens, it faces competition from The Devil Wears Prada 2 and the Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, which are expected to be the top earners. However, it may have the edge with younger audiences aged 18 to 24, who aren’t as eager to watch those films. The film’s appeal is further boosted by its 95% approval rating from both critics and audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.
Curry Barker, at just 26, has gathered a loyal following through his YouTube channel, That’s a Bad Idea, and gained more attention with his viral found-footage film Milk & Serial. His latest project, Obsession, was picked up by Focus Features for around $15 million after its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
In Obsession, Michael Johnston plays a young man who has long been infatuated with his friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette). When he buys a mystical One Wish Willow, which claims to grant a single wish when split in half, things take a dark turn. He wishes for Nikki to love him, leading to disastrous consequences.
Focus Features is releasing the film in 2,542 locations across North America, including many premium large-format screens. Its marketing campaign stands out for its creativity, selling out a replica of the One Wish Willow product within hours. The campaign also included an in-world commercial that gained over 4.4 million views on YouTube.
Social media buzz around Obsession has been significant. Fans have engaged with Nikki’s mysterious and unsettling promotional messages through texts, voice notes, and cryptic billboards in major cities, each hinting at her obsession. Such marketing strategies resonate especially well in today’s digital age, where unique interactions can draw in more viewers.
Barker’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed. Focus Features has already signed him on for another film, Anything But Ghosts, further solidifying his rising status in the industry. He is also set to direct a new take on the classic horror film The Texas Chainsaw Massacre for A24.
This blend of creative storytelling, effective marketing, and audience engagement positions Obsession as not just a film, but a cultural moment in horror cinema. Exciting times lie ahead for Barker and his growing fanbase.
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