Movie audiences worldwide have shown a strong interest in the film “Obsession,” much like the film’s intense, murderous protagonist. The horror hit recently surpassed the $500 million mark at the global box office, making it the first original film of the 2020s to achieve this milestone. This success has outpaced Pixar’s “Elemental,” making “Obsession” the highest-grossing original movie of the post-pandemic era.

Directed and written by Curry Barker, “Obsession” revolves around a woman consumed by violent fixation after a man selfishly wishes for her affections. Despite its micro-budget of $750,000, the film has become the most successful movie ever made for less than $1 million, surpassing classics like “Enter the Dragon.”

Since its release on May 15, the film has seen increasing weekly grosses, a trend not seen since “E.T.” By the end of its U.S. theatrical run in August, “Obsession” had grossed $263.4 million domestically and $238.1 million internationally, reaching a total of $501.5 million worldwide. With a release in South Korea pending, its success is expected to continue.

Following its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival, Focus Features acquired “Obsession,” making it the highest-grossing festival acquisition in history. The film’s commercial triumph has opened doors for its young cast, with lead actress Inde Navarette set to star in Marvel’s upcoming “X-Men” film as Rogue, and lead actor Michael Johnston in talks to join Universal’s new “The Mummy” movie alongside Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz.

The overwhelming success of “Obsession” has set the stage for Barker’s next project, a horror film titled “Anything but Ghosts,” where he will star alongside co-writer Cooper Tomlinson.