Curry Barker reflects on the unexpected success of 'Obsession', which has topped box office records and nears $300 million globally.

Curry Barker's 'Obsession' has defied expectations, grossing nearly $300 million globally from a mere $750,000 budget. Initially projected to open at $8-10 million, it made $7 million on its first day, leading Barker to constantly check the numbers.¹³

The film's second weekend saw a remarkable $17 million, and by the third weekend, it had reached $27 million, becoming a word-of-mouth phenomenon. Barker noted, “When the box office numbers went up yet again for weekend three, it tied a record for week-over-week growth that went all the way back to 1982’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.”⁴⁵⁶

Focus Chairman Peter Kujawski praised the film, stating, “Congratulations on the biggest movie Focus has ever had!” Barker expressed gratitude for the art department's work, emphasizing the film's low budget and the risks taken by those involved. He remarked, “This movie was made for so little money that it’s typical that the only people who directly benefit from its financial success are the people who took on some sort of risk.”⁷

Looking ahead, Barker hinted at an awards campaign but is cautious about rushing into a sequel, stating, “I don’t want to go straight into Obsession 2. I have such a cool idea for it that I won’t say.”