Prolific author Stephen King, known globally as the 'King of Horror' for his works including It and The Shining, has publicly endorsed Obsession, a surprise hit horror film that has captivated audiences and critics alike. Sharing his thoughts on Threads, King awarded the movie a B+ in his personal review book, noting that he 'keeps thinking about it' and highlighting its 'weird mixture of humour and horror'.
Obsession, which explores the dangerous repercussions of a romantic's naive wish for reciprocated affection, has been a phenomenal box office success. Produced on a modest budget estimated between £600,000 and £800,000, the film has amassed over £235 million globally. This impressive financial performance is complemented by strong critical reception, holding a 94% score on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.
The film marks the feature directorial debut of 26-year-old YouTuber Curry Barker. Barker previously garnered attention for his 2024 found-footage horror, Milk & Serial, which was made for just £640 and released directly on YouTube. The Independent's Clarisse Loughrey, in her four-star review of Obsession, described it as 'one of the creepiest horror movies of 2026', praising its 'delicately handled work' and willingness to incorporate humour.
The release of Obsession coincided with another YouTube-driven horror success, Cane Parson's Backrooms, adapted from his popular series about liminal spaces. The parallel triumphs of both films suggest a significant shift in the horror landscape, with Loughrey positing that 'the future of horror is on YouTube'. She observed a departure from traditional Gothic horror, instead highlighting a genre where 'punishment is swift, nasty, and arguably well deserved', reflecting a generation's exposure to the world's darker aspects.
While Obsession has not yet had a confirmed UK streaming release date, its global success and critical acclaim make it a highly anticipated title. UK audiences will be keen to experience the unique blend of humour and horror that has so impressed Stephen King and other critics, potentially signalling a new wave of genre filmmaking accessible through digital platforms.