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[CULTURE] · United States · 2 sources

Obsession horror hit sparks debate over crew pay and draws massive box‑office success

The low‑budget horror film *Obsession* was produced for about $750,000 and has become a global phenomenon, grossing more than $225 million worldwide (roughly Rs 2,160 crore).

Art director Sally Choi, posting on Instagram, revealed she was paid $300 per day, earning $6,741 after taxes for a 22‑day shoot and receiving no mileage reimbursement. She noted that some crew members worked as volunteers, paid only in gas and mileage, and that the film’s $250 million earnings left many below‑the‑line workers out of pocket. Her comments have sparked discussion on Hollywood's compensation norms for art‑department staff.

A separate reviewer described the movie as an intense psychological thriller with a disturbing fixation theme, praising its mood and unsettling scenes while noting its modest production values early on. The reviewer cited the film's unprecedented box‑office performance as evidence of its worldwide appeal.