Curry Barker's *Obsession* Turns a Simple Wish into Box-Office Buzz

Curry Barker’s debut feature, *Obsession*, follows Bear (Michael Johnston), a shy office worker who breaks a novelty “One Wish Willow” to make his crush Nikki (Inde Navarrette) love him. The wish is granted, but Nikki’s affection mutates into a relentless, violent fixation. The film opened in U.S. theaters on May 15, 2026, debuting in 2,542 locations—including 435 large-format screens—and earned $2.6 million from Thursday previews. Industry analysts projected a domestic opening of $10–12 million.

Hollywood Reporter

Barker, 26, built a following on YouTube with the sketch-comedy channel “That’s a Bad Idea.” He previously directed the ultra-low-budget found-footage horror *Milk & Serial* (budget under $1,000). *Obsession* premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, where Focus Features outbid Neon and A24, acquiring the film for roughly $15 million. The purchase marked a rare high-value deal for a debut horror feature.

Hollywood Reporter

• Curry Barker – Director, co-creator of “That’s a Bad Idea,” executive producer.

IndieWire

• Michael Johnston – Lead actor (Bear).

Curry Barker's 'OBSESSION' (2026)

• Inde Navarrette – Lead actress (Nikki).

Curry Barker's 'OBSESSION' (2026)

• Focus Features – North-American distributor; produced alongside Blumhouse’s Jason Blum.

Hollywood Reporter

• Universal Pictures – Handles overseas distribution.

Hollywood Reporter

• Producers – James Harris, Haley Nicole Johnson, Christian Mercuri, Roman Viaris, among others.

Hollywood Reporter

• Production budget: $1 million.

Hollywood Reporter

• Acquisition cost: $15 million.

Hollywood Reporter

• Opening preview revenue: $2.6 million.

Hollywood Reporter

• Projected opening: $10–12 million.

Hollywood Reporter

• Rotten Tomatoes score: 95 % (critics and audience).

Hollywood Reporter

• Marketing: Replica “One Wish Willow” sold out within hours; related YouTube commercial amassed 4.4 million views.

Hollywood Reporter

• Screen count: 2,542 U.S. locations, 435 premium screens.

Hollywood Reporter

Focus Features highlighted the film’s “digital-first marketing strategy,” noting the rapid sell-out of the Willow replica and the viral reach of its in-world commercial. A spokesperson for Universal confirmed the studio will distribute *Obsession* in key overseas markets, emphasizing confidence in the film’s “global horror appeal.” Producers described the project as “a modern twist on the classic ‘Monkey’s Paw’ cautionary tale.”

Hollywood Reporter

Several reviewers argued the film underutilizes its premise. Critics pointed out that the narrative leans on familiar horror clichés rather than fully exploring the distinction between love and obsession. The limited body count and reliance on genre tropes were cited as missed opportunities to deepen the psychological stakes. Some noted that the director’s comedic background occasionally dilutes the horror tone.

Vulture

• “The genesis was the idea that we as humans can obsess over things,” — Curry Barker, Director

IndieWire

• “Bro, that was the scariest shit I’ve ever seen in my life,” — Anonymous audience member

Vulture

• “I guess it started with the Monkeypaw and I thought about that, but I didn’t want to use the Monkeypaw because it was too recognizable,” — Curry Barker, Director

IndieWire

• “I don’t like to point the camera at the comedy,” — Curry Barker, Director

IndieWire

• “I had to make everything that he did from his perspective of his deepest desires.” — Michael Johnston, Actor

'Obsession' Interview: Director Curry Barker and Cast

• “Inde Navarrette: I wanted to make sure that she was incredibly grounded.” — Inde Navarrette, Actress

'Obsession' Interview: Director Curry Barker and Cast

Sources differ on the film’s financial framing: the production budget is listed at $1 million, yet Focus paid $15 million for rights, a stark contrast that raises questions about valuation criteria. Critical consensus is overwhelmingly positive (95 % Rotten Tomatoes), but some reviewers dispute the depth of thematic execution, creating a split between quantitative acclaim and qualitative criticism.

Hollywood Reporter

Barker’s upcoming projects include a Texas Chainsaw Massacre reboot for A24 and the thriller *Anything But Ghosts* starring Aaron Paul. The strong opening of *Obsession* positions him as a rising horror auteur with multiple high-profile assignments slated for the coming year.

IndieWire