Curry Barker says Netflix wanted Obsession to skip theaters
Curry Barker has said Netflix offered to release his romantic horror film Obsession directly on its streaming service. After a bidding contest that included Neon, Focus, A24, and Netflix, the movie went to theaters instead. Obsession became one of 2026's highest-grossing films and set a record for its budget-to-box-office return.
Curry Barker said Netflix proposed releasing Obsession directly on its service. After the film premiered at Toronto International Film Festival in 2025, he learned from missed calls by his manager, agent, and financier that multiple buyers were competing. Neon, Focus, A24, and Netflix were among them.
Barker ultimately partnered with Focus Features for a theatrical rollout. The choice paid off: Obsession ranked among 2026's top ten grossers so far and set a budget-to-box-office return record. Barker also noted he had earlier been approached about expanding his online horror short The Chair into a feature, which may still occur.
This outcome could shape how filmmakers and buyers weigh streaming offers against theatrical releases. Aspiring directors and independent creators may view Barker’s choice as evidence that cinemas can still deliver larger cultural and financial rewards. Audiences might see more original genre films in theaters if similar bets succeed, while streaming remains a key access route. Executives may also reconsider direct-to-platform deals for festival titles with strong buzz.