Focus Features has partnered with Blumhouse, the production company responsible for some of the most iconic and groundbreaking horror films of the generation, for OBSESSION, the breakout feature debut from writer and director Curry Barker.
Hailed at its festival debut as “a shocking and unsettling descent” into abject horror, the film will hit U.S. theaters this May with Universal Pictures International handling worldwide distribution.
A Festival Sensation with Near-Perfect Acclaim
OBSESSION is already establishing itself as a critical phenomenon, translating festival buzz into high praise.
The film debuted to massive acclaim during its celebrated midnight screening at TIFF. It also made a significant impact at Fantastic Fest, where screenings sold out in advance. At Sitges, People’s secured the People’s Choice Award.
The film currently holds an outstanding 97% Fresh rating. This cements its status as one of the best-reviewed horror films of the year.
The Dark Price of a Wish
Barker’s chilling vision taps into the dark side of romantic desire, twisting a classic fairy-tale premise into a modern nightmare.
The story centers on a hopeless romantic who is desperate to win his crush’s heart. Driven by his desire, he breaks the mysterious “One Wish Willow” to get precisely what he asked for. However, he soon discovers that some desires come at a dark, sinister price. He is plunged into a horrific supernatural reality where his deepest longings manifest as an obsessive, terrifying force.
The tense psychological atmosphere is brought to life by a strong ensemble cast, including Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and veteran actor Andy Richter.
Dominance and The Future of Horror
The Focus Features acquisition underscores Blumhouse’s continued market dominance, especially following Wan’s merger with Atomic Monster. The combined companies are responsible for nearly $9 billion in worldwide box office. Jason Blum himself will serve as an Executive Producer on OBSESSION.
OBSESSION is set to be a key title in the studio’s newly announced explosive 2026 slate, which includes high-profile projects such as Five Nights at Freddy’s, Lee Cronin’s The Mummy, Mortal Kombat 2, Insidious, and Other Mommy.
FurtherBarker’srker’s trajectory is already secured: his next project, Anything But Ghosts, has been set up with Blumhouse and Spooky Pictures. Barker directed, starred, and co-wrote the film with partner Cooper Tomlinson (who also stars in Obsession).
OBSESSION is produced by James Harris (Teashop Productions), Haley Nicole Johnson (Under the Shell), Christian Mercuri (Capstone Pictures), and Roman Viaris. The film is set to captivate audiences when it arrives in U.S. theaters on May 15, 2026.
