The horror film ‘Obsession’ has officially surpassed 25 million dollars at the Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) box office, positioning it to become the highest-grossing horror release in the region over the past decade. This remarkable achievement, eight weeks after its mid-May premiere, underscores the enduring appeal of theatrical horror and the power of strong word-of-mouth.

Distributed by Rialto Distribution, the film has maintained a consistent presence in the box office top five, a rare feat for any genre film, especially horror, which often sees steep declines after its opening weekend. Its sustained success is a significant win for cinema exhibition in an era often dominated by streaming platforms.

The milestone not only celebrates a breakout hit but also highlights the strategic prowess of Rialto Distribution and the fresh vision of first-time feature filmmaker Curry Barker. ‘Obsession’ has captivated audiences with its terrifying premise and compelling performances, proving that a modest budget can yield monumental results when a story truly resonates.

Obsession’s Staggering Box Office Triumph

‘Obsession’ has cemented its place as one of the most successful theatrical horror releases in recent history, crossing the 25 million dollar mark across Australia and New Zealand. This figure is particularly impressive given the film’s relatively modest production budget, turning it into one of the year’s breakout theatrical success stories.

Kelly Rogers, CEO of Rialto Distribution, expressed immense pride in the film’s performance. She stated, “To see ‘Obsession’ reach 25 million dollars across Australia and New Zealand is an incredible achievement.”

Rogers attributed the film’s success to several factors, including strong word-of-mouth, passionate fans, and the unique appeal of experiencing a truly terrifying story on the big screen. The film’s ability to hold a top-five position at the box office for eight consecutive weeks, even landing at number three earlier this week, is a proof to its widespread audience engagement.

This sustained performance defies typical box office trajectories for horror titles, which often see rapid drops after their initial release. The film’s draw indicates a strong desire among audiences to experience the thrill of horror together, drawing so much crowd at the box office.

The Visionary Behind the Terror and Its Premise

The horror phenomenon was written, directed, and edited by Curry Barker, marking his debut as a feature filmmaker. Barker’s fresh perspective and inventive writing have been widely praised by both critics and audiences, contributing significantly to the film’s grassroots success.

‘Obsession’ follows the unsettling narrative of Bear (Michael Johnston), a shy music store employee. The story centers on Bear, whose mundane life, perhaps filled with thoughts of top 100 karaoke songs, takes a dark turn when he makes a wish for his co-worker and long-time crush, Nikki (Inde Navarrette), to fall in love with him.

His wish, however, comes with terrifying and unforeseen consequences, a far cry from the lighthearted challenge of how to win at karaoke even if you can’t sing. The cast also features Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and veteran actor Andy Richter in supporting roles, all contributing to the film’s unsettling atmosphere and standout performances.

The film’s inventive premise and ability to deliver genuine terror have resonated deeply with audiences, proving that compelling writing and effective scares can triumph over massive budgets. This critical and commercial reception has solidified ‘Obsession’ as a must-see cinematic event of the year.

Rialto Distribution’s Strategic Success and Future Slate

For New Zealand-born Rialto Distribution, ‘Obsession’s’ success is another jewel in a remarkable crown of box office achievements. The company has long been a champion of local cinema, distributing more New Zealand productions than any other distributor, with 19 Kiwi films released theatrically over the past five years alone.

Rialto’s track record includes breaking numerous local box office records, with recent milestones such as ‘Tenor: My Name Is Pati’ (1.19 million dollars), the highest-grossing New Zealand film of 2026 to date, and ‘Prime Minister’ (1.22 million dollars), the highest-grossing documentary in New Zealand in the past 11 years. This commitment has helped grow their local business in cinema, fostering a vibrant film culture across the region.

The distributor is now preparing a busy release slate, spanning both international and Australian productions. Upcoming international titles include the Spanish drama ‘La Bola Negra,’ the Cannes Best Director winner Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi’s latest feature, and ‘The Weight,’ starring Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe. Other notable releases include ‘De Gaulle,’ a two-part biographical drama, ‘A Town in Nova Scotia,’ featuring Bill Nighy, and the Bella Ramsey-led coming-of-age film ‘Sunny Dancer.’ Variety reported on Rialto’s extensive upcoming slate.