A horror film titled “Obsession” has achieved tremendous success in 2025, breaking records as the highest-grossing film despite having a modest $750,000 US budget. Directed by 26-year-old Curry Barker, the American movie premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and hit theaters on May 15. Since its release, “Obsession” has consistently performed well at the box office, raking in over $245 million US domestically and more than $158 million US internationally, totaling over $403 million US in earnings.
Following its festival debut, Focus Features acquired the film for around $14 million US, marking it as the company’s most successful venture in its 24-year history. The film’s immense theatrical triumph led to the postponement of its video-on-demand release. It eventually became available on streaming platforms on June 30 and is scheduled for a Blu-ray 4K and DVD release on July 14.
The storyline of “Obsession” revolves around Bear (played by Michael Johnston), a socially awkward young man grappling with unrequited love for his friend Nikki (portrayed by Inde Navarrette). The plot thickens when Bear uses a “One Wish Willow” to wish for Nikki’s undying love, leading to chaotic and gruesome consequences.
In a parallel success story, another horror film called “Backrooms” (2026), directed by 20-year-old Kane Parsons and inspired by YouTube videos, has sparked discussions about the emergence of Gen Z filmmakers and their influence on attracting younger audiences to cinemas.
The film’s popularity can be attributed in part to its well-crafted script, which efficiently weaves together multiple elements without sacrificing engagement. Barker, the director of “Obsession,” honed his filmmaking skills over time, initially building a substantial online following on his YouTube channel alongside Cooper Tomlinson, who also stars in the film. This grassroots audience-building approach has become increasingly vital for filmmakers seeking distribution deals.
Notably, Barker and Parsons’ background in YouTube filmmaking represents a potential shift in the industry, with their ability to leverage online platforms for skill development and audience engagement at a young age. With Barker already working on a new horror project, “Anything But Ghosts,” set in the same universe as “Obsession,” and plans for a “Texas Chain Saw Massacre” remake, his future in the film industry looks promising.