Rialto Distribution is celebrating a major box office milestone as horror phenomenon Obsession surpasses $25 million at the Australian and New Zealand box office, cementing its place as one of the most successful theatrical horror releases in recent history. Having captivated audiences on both sides of the Tasman, Obsession is now on track to become the highest-grossing horror film released in Australia and New Zealand in the past 10 years. Eight weeks on from the film’s mid-May release, the film continues to hold a top-5 position at the box office, even landing at the number 3 spot earlier this week; a remarkable feat for a genre film this far into its theatrical run.
“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.” Kelly Rogers, CEO, Rialto Distribution commented.
Written, directed, and edited by Curry Barker in his feature directorial debut, Obsession follows Bear (Michael Johnston), a shy music store employee who wishes for his co-worker and long-time crush Nikki (Inde Navarrette) to fall in love with him – only to discover that his wish comes at a dark and sinister price. Cooper Tomlinson and Megan Lawless round out the film’s core cast, with Andy Richter in a supporting role. Produced on a modest budget, Obsession has become a genuine word-of-mouth phenomenon, with critics and audiences alike praising its inventive premise, unsettling atmosphere, and standout performances. The film’s sustained theatrical performance reflects a rare combination of critical buzz and grassroots audience support, defying the typical box office trajectory for horror releases and proving the genre’s continued power to bring audiences back to the big screen week after week.
Rialto Distribution’s upcoming release slate includes La Bola Negra, the Cannes-winning (Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi for Best Director) Spanish drama tracing three interconnected lives across three eras of queer history; The Weight, a Depression-era gold-smuggling thriller starring Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe; De Gaulle, Pathé’s two-part epic biographical drama following Charles de Gaulle’s leadership of the French Resistance; A Town in Nova Scotia, a warm Liverpool-set comedy-drama that features Bill Nighy as a widower who takes on his ageing tower block rather than relocate to Canada; and the coming-of-age dramedy, Sunny Dancer, led by Bella Ramsey. In partnership with Angel Studios, they’ll also bring the big-screen biopic of America’s first president, Young Washington, and epic biblical drama, Zero A. D to ANZ cinemas.
On the local front, Rialto delivers the next chapter of Australia’s iconic horror franchise with Wolf Creek: Legacy; Sia: My Elastic Heart, the pop icon’s genre-defying concert film revisiting her celebrated 2016 world tour; and Little Miracles, an original country music drama starring Delta Goodrem. Obsession is currently screening in cinemas across Australia and New Zealand.