Obsession: A Low-Budget Horror Success

Focus Features presents a new horror film titled “Obsession,” featuring Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette. Directed by Curry Barker, this low-budget film is making waves at the box office, far exceeding expectations. Despite its modest budget, under $1 million, predictions showed it might earn less than $10 million in its debut. However, the film surprised the industry by raking in over $17 million initially.

Box Office Success

Last weekend, “Obsession” grossed approximately $24 million, rising to $30 million with Memorial Day included. This performance marked a 30% increase from its opening weekend, surpassing other large titles like “The Devil Wears Prada 2” and the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael.” Impressively, it also outperformed the “The Mandalorian and Grogu.”

The movie has already grossed over $70 million globally and is predicted to surpass $100 million. This achievement makes “Obsession” one of the most profitable films this year.

No Star Power Needed

Curry Barker, the film’s 26-year-old director, is part of the “That’s a Bad Idea” comedy duo. The duo boasts over 1 million followers on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Jason Blum, known for horror hits through BlumHouse Productions, joined “Obsession” as an executive producer only after its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The cast comprises rising actors including Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Megan Lawless, and Cooper Tomlinson. The most recognized name is Andy Richter, who plays a minor role. The storyline follows Bear, played by Johnston, who makes a wish through a novelty toy for his friend Nikki, portrayed by Navarrette, to fall in love with him. This wish soon turns into a nightmare. Inde Navarrette’s performance is notably strong, drawing comparisons to Kathy Bates in “Misery.”

Focus Features’ Marketing Triumph

Erik Childress, a columnist for Rotten Tomatoes, attributes the film’s success to effective marketing by Focus Features and strong word-of-mouth. Childress remarked that such a boost is rare outside of holiday periods.

Meanwhile, “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” a new “Star Wars” movie, faced a tough launch, earning $98 million domestically during the Memorial Day weekend. This low debut set a new record for the franchise. The previous low was “Solo: A Star Wars Story” with $103 million. The film’s A-list team includes director Jon Favreau and actors Pedro Pascal and Sigourney Weaver. However, it is an adapted continuation from the “The Mandalorian” Disney+ series.

Star Wars’ Future

Disney has shifted its “Star Wars” focus to streaming, impacting its cinematic perception. Although “The Mandalorian and Grogu” had a lower budget of $165 million compared to typical summer blockbusters, it remains profitable. Childress commented that the future remains promising for “Star Wars,” with plans for another film in 2027 featuring Ryan Gosling.

Joseph A. Wulfsohn, a media reporter for Fox News Digital, invites readers to send story tips at his provided email address or via Twitter.