Indie Horror Film 'Obsession' Breaks Box Office Records, Outpaces Major Studio Releases

The indie horror sensation 'Obsession' is making waves at the box office, dethroning major studio tentpoles in a stunning upset.

Directed by Curry Barker, the film claimed the number-one spot by Monday, May 18, marking a historic milestone: it's the cheapest movie to reach the top of the box office in 17 years, a distinction last held by 2009's 'Paranormal Activity.'

The film muscled past heavyweight competition including 'Michael,' 'The Devil Wears Prada 2,' and 'Mortal Kombat II' to capture an additional $2.9 million at the box office. With a total haul exceeding $27 million against its reported $750,000 budget, the film is already positioning itself as one of 2026's most significant horror releases.

Lead actress Inde Navarrette has become the focal point of critical enthusiasm, with multiple outlets championing her performance as worthy of awards consideration. Her work has been described as "genuinely Oscar worthy" by reviewers.

The film opened in theaters on Friday, May 15, and has already earned impressive critical credentials. It maintains a 95% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, paired with a 94% audience score.

The story follows a hopeless romantic (Michael Johnston) who breaks a mysterious artifact known as the "One Wish Willow" to win the heart of his crush (Navarrette). His wish comes true, but he quickly learns that fulfilling one's deepest desires carries a sinister and costly price.

The film's journey to theaters included creative evolution—the production team has revealed details about an alternate ending that didn't make the final cut.