Get ready for a thrilling ride as we dive into the world of horror cinema and explore the incredible success story of “Obsession”. This found footage horror film, directed and starring Curry Barker, has taken the box office by storm, and its journey is nothing short of remarkable.
The Rise of “Obsession”
What makes this story particularly fascinating is the humble beginnings of “Obsession”. With a budget of just $800, Barker released his previous film, “Milk & Serial”, on YouTube, where it gained a massive following with over 3 million views. This success caught the eye of Focus Features, who invested over $15 million in “Obsession” for its distribution rights in the US.
The film has been receiving rave reviews, with JoBlo’s Chris Bumbray giving it an impressive 8/10. He describes it as a “slam-bang indie horror gem”, and it’s clear that audiences are loving it too. Focus Features is reaping the rewards, as the film has already surpassed the $225 million mark globally and is on track to become the most successful festival acquisition ever.
A New Record in the Making
While some reports have claimed that “Obsession” is already the biggest festival acquisition, surpassing Michael Moore’s “Fahrenheit 9/11”, there’s another film that deserves recognition. “The Blair Witch Project”, acquired at Sundance 1999, grossed an impressive $248 million worldwide. However, “Obsession” is on course to beat even that record, and it’s an exciting prospect.
The Story and Cast
“Obsession” tells the tale of a hopeless romantic who makes a wish on the “One Wish Willow”, only to find that his desire comes with a sinister price. Starring Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette, the film also features Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter. It was produced by James Harris of Teashop Productions, alongside Haley Nicole Johnson, Christian Mercuri, and Roman Viaris.
A New Horror Icon?
Personally, I think the success of “Obsession” is a testament to the power of independent cinema and the potential for horror films to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide. With its unique story and talented cast, “Obsession” has all the makings of a new horror classic. It’s a film that proves you don’t need a massive budget to create a lasting impact.
As we eagerly await the final box office numbers, it’s clear that “Obsession” has already made its mark. This film is a reminder that sometimes the most successful stories are the ones that take us by surprise. So, will “Obsession” become the new horror icon? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – this film has certainly left its mark on the industry.
