Focus Features has purchased the breakout horror film Obsession for approximately $14 million.
The acquisition follows the movie's record-breaking run as the highest-selling genre film in Toronto International Film Festival history.
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The independent project has become a major box-office sensation, driven by strong word-of-mouth from theatrical audiences.
Plot and Themes
The film follows Bear, a timid young man played by Michael Johnston, who uses a mystical novelty toy called One Wish Willow to gain the attention of his crush, Nikki, portrayed by Inde Navarrette.
The story delves into themes of male loneliness, modern dating, and misogyny as the characters face escalating consequences.
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Director Curry Barker, a 26-year-old filmmaker, developed the project after gaining traction on YouTube with unsettling sketch comedy and horror shorts.
His career mirrors other online creators who transitioned to mainstream horror, such as Zach Cregger and the Philippou Brothers.
Barker discussed his cinematic approach in an interview with the New Yorker, emphasizing the film's use of intricate sound design and quiet atmospheric tension rather than relying on conventional cheap thrills.
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The narrative maintains a loose structure regarding online discourse, but the final sequences feature highly explicit physical violence and intense psychological horror.
