Obsession: An Indie Horror Phenomenon at the U.S. Box Office

Obsession, an indie horror film, shook the U.S. box office over the Memorial Day weekend. Released on May 15, this film has significantly boosted total box office earnings during a time dominated by streaming releases. Created by Curry Barker, a 26-year-old former YouTuber, Obsession has surpassed expectations for the horror genre.

Box Office Success

Released by Focus Features, Obsession grossed $23.9 million over the Memorial Day weekend. Adding Monday’s ticket sales brought the figure north of $30 million. This success is noteworthy, given its modest $750,000 production budget, resulting in remarkable profits. Shot in just 20 days, the film now nears a $79 million global gross, with $60,734,010 from U.S. theaters alone. The overall box office during the weekend totaled $219,245,046 with Obsession leading the charge.

The film’s second weekend in 2,655 U.S. theaters witnessed a 39% increase in sales from its debut $17.2 million in 2,615 cinemas. This is rare for horror films, which typically see diminishing returns post-opening.

Industry Acclaim

Jason Blum, known for hits like Get Out and Paranormal Activity, praised the film he executively produced. “Obsession is the ONLY wide-release horror film on record to grow in its second weekend at this scale—$22.4M, up 30% over opening,” he shared on X. “This doesn’t happen in horror.”

Hila Harary, a trend forecaster at Tectonic Shift, commented on its widespread appeal. She noted cultural shifts, such as nostalgia for the late ’90s and early 2000s, and a desire for escapism amidst economic pressures. This demand aligns with the film’s appeal to younger audiences who prefer low-budget, less corporate films.

Plot Overview

Obsession follows Bear, a young music store employee played by Michael Johnston. He buys a supernatural toy promising wish fulfillment. Bear uses it to win his childhood friend Nikki’s affection. What starts as wish fulfillment quickly turns sinister as the consequences unravel. Inde Navarrette’s portrayal of Nikki has received critical acclaim, with Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter supporting the cast.

Competitive Box Office Landscape

Obsession achieved $23.9 million over Memorial Day weekend and exceeded $30 million by May 25. It has grossed $60 million in North America and around $75 million globally, maintaining a tight budget of $750,000. Overall earnings for Memorial Day weekend reached $219,245,046.

Other Theatrical Performances

Ask E. Jean, documenting the experiences of writer E. Jean Carroll, premiered on May 22 with positive reception. Other recent releases contributing to box office growth include titles like Star Wars: The Mandalorian and The Devil Wears Prada 2, both earning over $100 million globally.

Currently, the year’s top global films include Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Michael, Project Hail Mary, Pegasus 3, and The Devil Wears Prada 2.