Curry Barker's 'Obsession' Horror Film Earns Praise and Forecasts $11 M Opening
Director Curry Barker’s low‑budget horror feature *Obsession*—inspired by the *The Simpsons* “Treehouse of Horror II” episode—has become a breakout success. The film follows Bear (Michael Johnston), who wishes his coworker Nikki (Inde Navarrette) would love him more than anyone, unleashing a terrifying chain of events. Navarrette’s performance has been highlighted as a potential awards contender, with critics calling it “a hauntingly manic” turn that could merit Oscar consideration.
*Obsession* premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, earned a 95 % Rotten Tomatoes score from 110 reviews, and was acquired by Focus Features for $15 million despite a production budget reported at $750,000. New box‑office projections from BoxOfficeTheory suggest a domestic opening weekend of $9.5 million‑$14.5 million (approximately $11 million median) for its May 15 US release, well above the $1.8 million break‑even point. The film faces modest competition from other releases but benefits from strong word‑of‑mouth and limited genre competition.
Industry observers note the film’s ambitious cinematography and the effective use of practical effects, which elevate it beyond typical low‑budget horror. Navarrette and Johnston discussed the depth of their characters in recent interviews, emphasizing the psychological complexity that drives the film’s tension.