Get ready for a chilling cinematic experience that will leave you questioning the true cost of desire. Focus Features has officially set an early summer 2026 release date for Curry Barker’s highly anticipated horror film, Obsession. But here's where it gets intriguing: this isn’t just another horror flick—it’s the TIFF Midnight sensation that sparked a $15M+ bidding war at the festival, and now it’s poised to haunt theaters starting May 15, 2026. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about scares; it’s a cautionary tale wrapped in a romantic nightmare.
Obsession follows a hopeless romantic who, in a desperate bid to win his crush’s heart, breaks the enigmatic “One Wish Willow.” While he gets exactly what he wished for, he soon discovers that some desires come with a sinister, soul-shattering price. Is it ever wise to tamper with fate, even for love? Directed and written by Barker, the film stars Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter. Produced by James Harris (Teashop Productions), Haley Nicole Johnson (Under the Shell), and Christian Mercuri (Capstone Pictures), this movie has already proven its mettle with sold-out screenings at Fantastic Fest and a Sitges People’s Choice Award under its belt. With a staggering 97% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 33 reviews, expectations are sky-high.
But here’s the twist: Obsession will hit theaters on the same day as Amazon MGM Studios’ Is God Is and Row K’s Poetic License, starring Maude Apatow. Will Barker’s dark romance outshine these competitors, or will audiences be divided? Universal Pictures International will handle the film’s global distribution, ensuring it reaches horror fans worldwide.
Focus Features isn’t stopping there. Their fall lineup includes Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet, based on the bestselling novel and starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley (Nov. 26), and the holiday release Song Sung Blue, featuring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson (Christmas Day). Currently in theaters is Yorgos Lanthimos’ Bugonia, his fifth collaboration with Emma Stone, which has already grossed over $13M globally in just two weeks. Looking ahead to 2026, Focus will also release Werwulf, their third collaboration with director Robert Eggers, on Christmas Day.
But let’s circle back to Obsession: Does its blend of romance and horror strike the right chord, or is it a risky gamble? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear your take on whether this film will be a game-changer or just another cautionary tale lost in the shadows.
