A 26-Year-Old Directed ‘Obsession’ — It’s Now Made 80 Times Its Budget

BusinessHollywood & EntertainmentA 26-Year-Old Directed ‘Obsession’ — It’s Now Made 80 Times Its BudgetByHannah Abraham,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Hannah Abraham covers entertainment, culture and business.Follow AuthorMay 25, 2026, 02:39pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Curry Barker attends the Los Angeles Special Screening of Focus Features' "Obsession" at the Hollywood Legion Theater on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)Getty ImagesAt a time when Hollywood is buckling under the weight of one remake after another, a new film has taken the industry by storm. Just two weekends into its theatrical run, Obsession has earned approximately $79.7 million worldwide (according to IMDb Pro’s BoxOfficeMojo) against a reported production budget of $1 million (in an interview with the New Yorker, the director said “$750,000 max”).This makes it one of the most profitable films in years, turning 26-year-old Curry Barker into one of Hollywood’s most sought-after new filmmakers almost overnight.What Is Obsession — The Horror Film ExplainedThe film follows Bear, played by Michael Johnston, a hopeless romantic who breaks a mysterious "One Wish Willow" to make his longtime crush Nikki, played by Inde Navarrette, love him more than anyone in the world. The wish is granted, but the consequences spiral into something far darker than he anticipated. No more spoilers, you’re going to watch it anyway.The supporting cast includes Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter. Barker wrote, directed, and edited the film himself. Shot by cinematographer Taylor Clemons with a score by Rock Burwell, the film runs 109 minutes and currently holds a 95% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes from 218 reviews at the time of publication.Who Is Obsessio...