Director Curry Barker’s Obsession was filmed in 20 days with a modest US$750,000 budget and a relatively unknown cast, but it may be one of this year’s biggest films.

After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025, the film was sold to Focus Features for US$15 million, breaking the record for the highest price paid for a film in the festival’s history. Obsession had its theatrical release in the US on May 15 and has become a surprise blockbuster, grossing over US$95 million worldwide.

The film follows a young man named Bear, played by Michael Johnston, who breaks a One Wish Willow – a “supernatural trinket” – in a hopeless attempt to earn the love of his long-time crush Nikki, played by Inde Navarrette. His wish is granted, but it comes with a sinister twist.

Since the film’s release and immense success, Barker, a 26-year-old former YouTuber, has become an overnight sensation with studios scrambling to sign him for his next film, which he has yet to pitch. He has even had an offer worth US$10 million, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Barker also recently signed a lucrative contract with A24 to direct a Texas Chainsaw Massacre reboot.

So who is Curry Barker, the Gen-Z director who went from YouTube fame to Hollywood stardom overnight? Read on to find out.

Barker fell in love with horror as a child

Curry Barker was born in September 1999 and spent his childhood in Alabama. When he was 11 years old, he watched his first ever horror film, the 2003 remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.