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Obsession 2025
Horror thrillerIndependentSupernatural thriller
Obsession is a 2025 American supernatural horror film written, directed, and edited by Curry Barker. The story centers on shop clerk Bear (Michael Johnston), after Nikki (Inde Navarrette) becomes dangerously infatuated with him following a wish he makes. Supporting cast members include Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter.
Barker originally shared his short horror film The Chair on YouTube in 2023. Producer James Harris later contacted him about turning it into a feature film, leading Barker to propose Obsession. The project drew partial inspiration from The Simpsons episode "Treehouse of Horror II". Filming took place in Los Angeles during October 2024 with a $750,000 budget. This marks Barker's second full-length film, succeeding Milk & Serial (2024), though it is his first theatrical release.
The film made its debut on September 5, 2025 at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Focus Features secured distribution rights for $14–15 million, setting a new record for genre films at TIFF. Jason Blum became an executive producer under Blumhouse Productions. Obsession opened in US theaters on May 15, 2026, earning favorable reviews. It earned $523 million globally and achieved several box-office milestones as the tenth highest-grossing film of 2026 and fifth highest-grossing horror film ever, excluding inflation adjustments.
Trailer
Plays from YouTube only after you click.
Cast
- Michael JohnstonBaron "Bear" Bailey
- Inde NavarretteNikki Freeman
- Cooper TomlinsonIan
- Megan LawlessSarah Harper
- Andy RichterCarter
- Haley FitzgeraldViola
- Darin ToonderHarry
- Curry Barkerthe voice of the One Wish Willow customer service representative
Crew
- Director
- Curry Barker
- Writer
- Curry Barker
- Producer
- James Harris, Haley Nicole Johnson, Christian Mercuri, Roman Viaris
- Cinematography
- Taylor Clemons
- Editing
- Curry Barker
- Music
- Rock Burwell
Details
- Production
- Blumhouse–Atomic Monster, Capstone Studios, Tea Shop Productions
- Distributor
- Focus Features (United States), Universal Pictures
- Budget
- $600,000–750,000
- Box office
- $523 million
