Focus Features has acquired the worldwide distribution rights to Obsession, the debut horror feature from writer-director Curry Barker. The film, which premiered at the Midnight Section of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), is hailed as the arrival of a bold new voice in the genre.
Obsession immediately caught attention in Toronto for its provocative and wildly entertaining vision, with a sharp style. The story centers on a hopeless romantic who breaks the mysterious “One Wish Willow.” His mission is to win his crush’s heart. Unfortunately, he finds himself getting precisely what he asked for. He soon discovers, however, that some desires come at a dark, sinister price.
The film boasts an impressive cast, including Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and a surprising turn from comedy veteran Andy Richter.
The project was financed by Capstone Pictures and produced by James Harris (Teashop Productions) and Haley Nicole Johnson (Under the Shell). The deal was brokered with Capstone, who represented the world rights, and CAA Media Finance, which co-repped the domestic rights.
Ahead of its 2026 release, Obsession will be featured as a special screening at FocusFest, a fan-centric event hosted on the iconic Universal Studios Lot. This debut event, set for Saturday, October 18, 2025, will be hosted by film lover and TikTok star Juju Green (aka @straw_hat_goofy). Get your tickets now.
The festival will spotlight the best of Focus’ library, with a curated lineup that includes the cult classic The Big Lebowski, the Academy Award®-winning film Promising Young Woman, and a special advance screening of Yorgos Lanthimos’s Bugonia (starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons), following its acclaimed festival run at Cannes, Venice, and Telluride.
Beyond the screenings, attendees will get to step into the worlds of these films through immersive photo moments, themed food, and drinks. There’s also exclusive merchandise drops and a chance to experience the F-Stop, Focus’s traveling airstream featuring costume and prop displays.
