NBA superstar and team ‘wind down’ with Alabama director’s horror hit before Finals
"Obsession" is a cultural and box-office success that has become one of the most profitable films ever made.
Liam Carter 
How does a professional basketball team decompress after a grueling seven-game series? If you are the San Antonio Spurs, the answer is a private screening of the runaway horror smash Obsession, directed by Alabama native Curry Barker.
Rising Stars on and off the Screen
The Spurs punched their ticket to the NBA Finals following a hard-fought Game 7 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder and reigning back-to-back MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. For the young San Antonio squad, led by 22-year-old superstar Victor Wembanyama, it marks the franchise's first Finals appearance in over a decade. They are now set to square off against the New York Knicks, who are chasing their first title in over 50 years.
According to NBA reporter Michael Wright, Wembanyama opted to treat his teammates to a screening of Obsession as they prepared for the series opener, which tips off tonight at 7:30 p.m. CST on ABC.
A Phenomenon in the Making
While the film is known for its intense, creepy atmosphere, the choice is fitting given the parallels between the Spurs and 26-year-old director Curry Barker. Both have defied expectations to reach elite status at a remarkably young age. Barker, originally from Mobile, has turned his low-budget project into a cultural force.
Produced for less than $1 million, Obsession has shattered box office expectations, hauling in more than $100 million domestically in just three weeks. The film has achieved what many called the unthinkable, growing its earnings weekend after weekend—including a 40 percent spike in its second frame—thanks to massive organic buzz across social media.
Humble Beginnings, Massive Success
The film’s meteoric rise has placed Barker in the conversation alongside heavyweights like Ari Aster and Jordan Peele. In a previous interview with 205focus.com, Barker noted his surprise at the reception.
"I didn’t set out to make the greatest horror movie of 2026 or whatever people are calling it," Barker said. "I just wanted to make a decent movie that I would be excited to watch in the theater."
