Obsession, directed by Curry Barker, is one of this year’s most surprising box-office stories, and it has entered awards-season conversation too. Made on a budget of roughly $750,000 to $1 million, the film earned hundreds of millions of dollars. Here is its box-office journey and where it sits in the awards forecasts.
An unexpected opening
The film opened to about $17.2 million in the US, when forecasts had been only $8 to $9 million. Even more unusual, it made more in its second weekend than in its first. According to producer Jason Blum, it is the only wide-release horror film on record to grow in its second weekend at this scale.
A record-sized success
When the film passed $200 million worldwide, it became Focus Features’ highest-grossing film of all time. Later totals range from $375 to $523 million depending on the source, placing it high on horror’s all-time list. Focus had bought the film at the Toronto Film Festival.
Audience reaction
The romance-horror film earned an A- CinemaScore, an extremely rare grade for a horror film. Reviews are generally positive, and the film stands out for dark comedy and strong performances.
What is it doing in awards season?
Obsession is among the films named for the tenth Best Picture slot. A horror film being discussed in that race is unusual, but between box office and audience reaction the film has a case. Forecasts are early and may change.
Frequently asked questions
What was Obsession’s budget? Roughly $750,000 to $1 million.
What was its opening? About $17.2 million.
Which studio released it? Focus Features.
What is its CinemaScore? A-.
Note: global totals vary by source.
