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‘Obsession’ Opens to $17.2 Million as Barker Floats One Wish Willow Anthology

Strong word of mouth plus a savvy campaign drove the outsized start.

Overview

  • Over the weekend, Focus Features’ Obsession earned $17.2 million in the U.S. and about $21 million worldwide, debuting in third place.
  • The R‑rated horror film cost under $1 million to produce and posted rare audience and critic marks with an A- CinemaScore and a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score.
  • Focus acquired the film out of TIFF for roughly $14–15 million, so profits hinge on recouping that buy plus marketing even with the tiny production spend.
  • Director Curry Barker said future entries could center on the One Wish Willow through a sequel or an anthology, and he suggested an alternate‑reality setup to patch the wish‑logic gap.
  • Focus blended old‑school and digital tactics including in‑character texts, Discord quests, replica props, and AMC and Alamo promotions, which exhibitors say helped build buzz and strong preview turnout.