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Obsession Breakout Horror Tops $370 Million and Hits Premium Digital

The micro‑budget film’s strong theatrical run and PVOD debut are forcing studios to rethink release windows and spotlighting its young director

Overview

  • Obsession, written and directed by Curry Barker, opened in U.S. theaters on May 15 and has grossed roughly $370–$374 million worldwide after an unusually steady box‑office run that outperformed early expectations.
  • Focus Features acquired the film from the Toronto festival for a reported mid‑teens million and supported a prolonged theatrical window before moving the title to premium video‑on‑demand.
  • The film began its PVOD/digital lifecycle at the end of June and early July, appearing on Apple TV and Prime Video with reported rental and purchase prices of $19.99 and $24.99 respectively.
  • Critics and audiences gave the movie strong marks, with about a 94% critics rating and an A‑ CinemaScore, and its home release has already climbed digital charts.
  • The film’s commercial success has elevated 20‑year‑old Barker’s profile, prompted discussion about consent and male entitlement in the film’s themes, and renewed industry debate over low‑budget crew pay, physical media plans, and future streaming windows.