entertainment
Obsessed with Obsession: how a low-budget horror changed the game in Hollywood
The $750,000 relationship horror about a cursed wish is set to outgross a new Star Wars movie, energizing Gen Z audiences and creating a rare cultural conversation
TL;DR
- The horror movie 'Obsession,' with a budget between $750,000 and $15 million, has outgrossed a recent Star Wars movie at the US box office.
- The film shows remarkable box office strength not only on weekends but also with high weekday grosses, averaging over $4 million on weekdays near its one-month mark.
- Obsession's success is attributed to its cultural cachet in the current moviegoing landscape, resonating with a young audience and sparking social conversation.
- Audience reactions indicate a mix of laughter, discomfort, and relatability, particularly concerning the protagonist's wish and its consequences.
- Buzz generated from friends, online discourse, and news about its delayed streaming premiere has driven significant interest and theatrical attendance.
- Social media, especially TikTok clips, has amplified interest in specific scenes, leading to real-world phenomena like fans visiting filming locations.
- The film's ambiguous portrayal of possessiveness and its dark humor contribute to its ability to transcend typical horror genre boundaries.
- Obsession's success highlights a gap in films catering to the twentysomething experience, even in heightened ways, contrasting with Hollywood's usual focus on broad, feel-good movies.