Story perspectives

Obsession becomes top festival acquisition with $440 M worldwide

7/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Obsession, a U.S. horror film directed by 26-year-old Curry Barker, became the top-grossing festival acquisition ever, earning more than $440 million worldwide.
The film, made for under $1 million, earned over $250 million domestically and was sold to Focus Features for $15 million after its Toronto Festival showing.
Critics praised Inde Navarrette’s award-worthy performance, giving the film a 4-out-of-5-star rating and an R rating for violence, sexual content and language.

History

Historical Context

In 1999, the ultra-low-budget film The Blair Witch Project, made by Haxan Films for about $60,000, premiered at Sundance and earned Artisan Entertainment a $1.1 million distribution deal. Its viral internet campaign and $248.6 million worldwide gross proved that micro-budget horror could deliver massive returns. Studios now chase similar festival pickups, reshaping acquisition strategies.

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Story summary

Obsession, a U.S. horror film directed by 26-year-old Curry Barker, became the top-grossing festival acquisition ever, earning more than $440 million worldwide.
The film, made for under $1 million, earned over $250 million domestically and was sold to Focus Features for $15 million after its Toronto Festival showing.
Critics praised Inde Navarrette’s award-worthy performance, giving the film a 4-out-of-5-star rating and an R rating for violence, sexual content and language.

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