Movie enthusiasts worldwide have shown a keen interest in the film “Obsession,” mirroring the fervor of its deranged and lethal protagonist. According to a report from The Wrap on Sunday, the horror sensation has officially surpassed the $500 million mark at the global box office, making it the first original film of the 2020s to achieve this milestone.
This achievement places “Obsession” ahead of Pixar’s 2023 animated hit “Elemental,” which grossed $494.6 million globally, solidifying its status as the highest-grossing original movie in the post-pandemic era, as reported by The Express Tribune. The low-budget film, centered on a woman consumed by violent obsession triggered by a self-centered wish from a young man, has also clinched the title of the highest-grossing film produced for under $1 million in the US.
With a modest budget of $750,000, the film has outperformed the 1973 martial arts classic “Enter the Dragon,” which cost $850,000 to produce and amassed $400 million over multiple re-releases. Written and directed by 26-year-old Curry Barker, “Obsession” premiered on May 15 and saw its weekly earnings climb consecutively during the first three weeks in theaters, a feat not witnessed since “E.T.”
By the conclusion of its theatrical run in the US on August 14, “Obsession” had raked in $263.4 million domestically and an additional $238.1 million internationally, bringing its total worldwide earnings to $501.5 million and continuing to rise, according to Box Office Mojo. A release in South Korea is on the horizon, as per The Wrap’s report.
Following its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival last September, Focus Features acquired “Obsession,” making it the most lucrative festival acquisition in history. The film’s commercial triumph has already opened doors for its young cast members, with lead actress Inde Navarette set to portray Rogue in an upcoming Marvel “X-Men” installment. Additionally, male lead Michael Johnston is in negotiations to star alongside Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in Universal’s upcoming “The Mummy” film.
The monumental success of “Obsession” is expected to pave the way for Barker’s next venture. Reportedly, the filmmaker is working on a horror project titled “Anything but Ghosts,” in which he will take on a starring role alongside co-writer Cooper Tomlinson.