The success of ‘Obsession’ underscores the dynamic relationship between filmmaking and collectible markets, highlighting the potential for horror-themed memorabilia to flourish in the wake of box office triumphs.
‘Obsession’, the breakout horror sensation directed by Curry Barker, has surged past the $200 million mark globally, becoming the highest-grossing film in the history of Focus Features. Domestically, it has already secured $151 million in revenue. This remarkable achievement comes as ‘Obsession’ experienced only a 7 percent drop in its fourth weekend, earning $25.6 million. This sets a new record for the best fourth weekend performance ever for a horror film, surpassing the previous record held by ‘Blair Witch Project’, which had a 9 percent decline back in 1999.
This success story began when Focus Features acquired ‘Obsession’ at the Toronto International Film Festival for approximately $15 million. No one anticipated at the time that it would eclipse notable past successes such as the globally beloved ‘Downton Abbey’ (2019), which earned $193.3 million, or Robert Eggers’ ‘Nosferatu’, which grossed $181.8 million.
Filmed independently for just $750,000 and featuring a cast of relatively unknown actors, Barker’s ‘Obsession’ has propelled him into the spotlight, marking a significant transition from his previous contributions like the horror short ‘The Chair’ and his YouTube comedy channel. With a follow-up project entitled ‘Anything But Ghosts’ already in the works and plans to direct a new installment in ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ franchise for A24, Barker is quickly becoming a prominent figure in contemporary horror cinema.
Based on reporting by Hollywood Reporter. Read the full story at https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/obsession-box-office-record-curry-barker-focus-top-movie-1236614215/.