Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Peacock Streams Record-Breaking Horror ‘Obsession’ Free Week

7/18/2026

50 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Peacock started streaming horror film “Obsession” on July 17, 2026, after its 3 a.m. PT theatrical debut.
The film, directed by 26-year-old YouTuber Curry Barker and starring Michael Johnston as Bear and Inde Navarrette as Nikki, was made on a $750,000 budget.
“Obsession” has earned over $428 million worldwide, shattering horror box-office records.
Viewers can watch the movie for free for one week by adding Peacock to their Prime Video account.

History

Historical Context

In 2007 Oren Peli filmed the found-footage horror *Paranormal Activity* for about $15,000. After DreamWorks sold it, Paramount bought U.S. rights for $350,000, gave it a limited September 2009 release that expanded nationwide on October 16, 2009, and the film earned roughly $194 million worldwide, eclipsing *The Blair Witch Project* and spawning a low-budget horror boom. Its profit model paved the way for later streaming-theater windows.

1 of 2

Story summary

Peacock started streaming horror film “Obsession” on July 17, 2026, after its 3 a.m. PT theatrical debut.
The film, directed by 26-year-old YouTuber Curry Barker and starring Michael Johnston as Bear and Inde Navarrette as Nikki, was made on a $750,000 budget.
“Obsession” has earned over $428 million worldwide, shattering horror box-office records.
Viewers can watch the movie for free for one week by adding Peacock to their Prime Video account.

1 / 2