Obsession (2025)

Obsession is a 2025 American supernatural horror film written, directed, and edited by Curry Barker. The film tells the terrifying story of a hopeless romantic whose innocent wish for a crush's affection turns into a living nightmare. Premiering at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival as a Midnight Madness selection, the film triggered a bidding war and was theatrically released by Focus Features in the US on May 15, 2026.

Plot Overview

Bear (Michael Johnston) harbors a deep, unrequited crush on his friend and coworker, Nikki (Inde Navarrette). Unable to confess his feelings directly, he purchases a supernatural novelty item known as the One Wish Willow. He impulsively breaks it, wishing for Nikki to love him more than anyone else in the world. The wish is immediately granted, sparking a passionate romance, but her affection rapidly transforms into a violent, uncontrollable obsession that puts Bear, their friends, and Nikki herself in deadly danger.

Box Office Performance

Mounted on a micro-budget of merely $750,000, Obsession shattered numerous box office records to become one of the most profitable films in cinematic history and the highest-grossing original film for Focus Features. In a nearly unprecedented feat for a wide-release horror film, its weekend collections increased consistently throughout its second, third, and fourth frames.

Due to incredible word-of-mouth and Gen Z audience appeal, the film grossed over $403 million worldwide, cementing it as the highest-grossing original horror film of the decade.