Indie Horror Film ‘Obsession’ Shakes Up Memorial Day Box Office

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Surprise indie horror hit Obsession has significantly impacted the U.S. box office, particularly over Memorial Day weekend. This success has increased overall box office earnings at a time when many new films are being released via streaming platforms.

Audience Enthusiasm for ‘Obsession’

The debut feature from 26-year-old Curry Barker, a former YouTube creator, has defied expectations often associated with horror film performances at the box office. Released by Focus Features on May 15, Obsession drew growing audiences over the holiday weekend, prompting studio analysts to search for historical comparisons.

The film earned $23.9 million over the weekend, with a total exceeding $30 million after Monday’s sales. This is remarkable given the $750,000 production budget, resulting in substantial profits.

Filmed in 20 days, Obsession has received positive reviews. Inde Navarrette, aged 25, has been praised for her lead role performance as Nikki.

The film is set to gross $79 million globally, with $60,734,010 already accrued from U.S. theaters. Over Memorial Day weekend, the overall box office reached $219,245,046, with Obsession leading.

Second Weekend Success

Obsession achieved revenue from 2,655 U.S. theaters, with ticket sales 39% above the debut weekend’s $17.2 million from 2,615 cinemas. In the horror genre, maintaining momentum after opening weekend is rare.

Jason Blum, known for Get Out, Halloween, and Paranormal Activity, expressed admiration for the film he executive produced.

“Obsession is the only wide-release horror film on record to grow in its second weekend at this scale—$22.4M, up 30% over opening,” Blum stated on X. “This doesn’t happen in horror.”

Cultural Factors Behind the Success

Hila Harary, a trend forecaster with Tectonic Shift, discussed the film’s broad appeal in a genre that typically attracts a specific audience.

“The success of Obsession reflects cultural shifts,” Harary noted. “There’s nostalgia for the late ’90s and early 2000s as people seek simpler entertainment habits post-pandemic.”

She highlighted that audiences are seeking escapism due to economic pressures and global challenges. Cinema offers an affordable, contained break from reality.

Harary added that lower-budget films labeled as “less corporate” resonate with younger audiences.

Plot of ‘Obsession’

The supernatural horror follows Bear, played by Michael Johnston. Bear, a music store employee, acquires a supernatural toy that promises to fulfill wishes. In love with childhood friend Nikki, Bear wishes for her affection. This wish takes a dark turn as unintended consequences arise.

Support for the film comes from Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter.

Comparison with Other Films

Obsession marked notable success over the Memorial Day weekend, earning over $23.9 million. By May 25, this rose beyond initial projections of $28.2 million.

With $60 million generated in North America and approximately $75 million worldwide, the film was made on a $750,000 budget.

The overall box office during this period totaled $219,245,046.

Other Strong Performers in Theaters

Ask E. Jean, a documentary on writer and columnist E. Jean Carroll, received positive reviews upon its U.S. release on May 22.

Other major releases have also contributed to box office success. Films including Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, Michael, and The Devil Wears Prada 2 have each surpassed $100 million globally.

The global top five films this year include: