Obsession horror film earns $16 million opening, underscoring rise of YouTube‑born directors

The horror movie Obsession opened in U.S. theatres with an estimated $16.1 million box‑office haul, placing third behind Michael and The Devil Wears Prada 2. Distributed by Focus Features in partnership with Blumhouse, the film’s performance reflects a broader resurgence of original horror titles in the post‑pandemic market.

Directed by Curry Barker, who first gained attention with low‑budget YouTube projects such as Milk & Serial, Obsession illustrates how digital creators are transitioning into mainstream Hollywood. Industry observers note a growing pipeline of YouTube talent—including Markiplier, Kane Parsons and Chris Stuckmann—who are securing studio deals and delivering commercially successful genre films.

The story follows a shy young man who uses a magical talisman to make his childhood friend fall in love with him, only for the wish to spiral into a nightmare of obsessive control and terror. Critics compare the film’s tone to classic Stephen King‑style thrillers, highlighting its blend of romantic obsession and horror.