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‘Obsession’ Set to Become Australia and New Zealand’s Biggest Horror Release in a Decade

Horror hit ‘Obsession’ has hit a major milestone at the Australia and New Zealand box office this week

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Horror hit Obsession has crossed $25 million at the Australia and New Zealand box office, marking a major milestone for distributor Rialto Distribution as the film continues its impressive theatrical run.

Eight weeks after opening in mid-May, the film remains one of the region’s strongest performers, holding a place in the box office top five. The sustained performance puts Obsession on track to become the highest-grossing horror film released across Australia and New Zealand in the past decade.

Kelly Rogers, CEO of Rialto Distribution, said: “To see Obsession reach $25 million across Australia and New Zealand is an incredible achievement. Horror has always been one of the most powerful theatrical genres, and audiences have embraced this film in a way few could have predicted. This milestone is a testament to strong word-of-mouth, passionate fans and the enduring appeal of seeing a truly terrifying story unfold on the big screen.”

Written, directed and edited by first-time feature filmmaker Curry Barker, Obsession follows Bear (Michael Johnston), a shy music store employee whose wish for his co-worker and long-time crush Nikki (Inde Navarrette) to fall in love with him comes with terrifying consequences. The cast also includes Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter.

Produced on a modest budget, Obsession has emerged as one of the year’s breakout theatrical success stories, buoyed by strong audience word-of-mouth and positive critical reception. Its extended run at the box office stands out at a time when horror titles often experience steep declines after opening weekend.

The milestone comes as Rialto Distribution prepares a busy release slate spanning international and Australian productions. Upcoming titles include Spanish drama La Bola Negra, Cannes Best Director winner Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi’s latest feature; The Weight, starring Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe; De Gaulle, a two-part biographical drama about the French Resistance leader; A Town in Nova Scotia, featuring Bill Nighy; and Bella Ramsey-led coming-of-age film Sunny Dancer.

The distributor will also release Young Washington and biblical epic Zero A.D. in partnership with Angel Studios, alongside local productions including Wolf Creek: Legacy, Sia: My Elastic Heart, and the Delta Goodrem-led country music drama Little Miracles.

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Obsession is currently screening in cinemas across Australia and New Zealand.