US Box Office Takings Soar After Boost From Surprise Hit ‘Obsession’

Key Points:

• The indie horror film "Obsession," directed by 26-year-old Curry Barker, became a surprise hit at the U.S. box office over Memorial Day weekend, earning $23.9 million initially and surpassing $30 million by the holiday, far exceeding its $750,000 production budget.
• "Obsession" saw a rare 39% increase in ticket sales during its second weekend, a phenomenon uncommon for horror films, with a projected global gross of $79 million and over $60 million already earned in North America.
• The film's success is attributed to cultural shifts including nostalgia for late ’90s and early 2000s entertainment and audiences seeking affordable escapism amid economic uncertainty, with low-budget, less corporate films resonating strongly with younger viewers.
• The supernatural horror story follows Bear, a music store employee who uses a wish-granting toy to win over his childhood friend Nikki, leading to dark and unintended consequences.
• Other recent theatrical successes contributing to rising box office numbers include the documentary "Ask E. Jean" and major releases like "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu," "Michael," and "The Devil Wears Prada 2," with the overall Memorial Day weekend box office reaching $219 million.