Horror Films ‘Backrooms’ and ‘Obsession’ Break Box Office Records, Industry Praises Non-Traditional Directors
The Story
Two horror films directed by young YouTubers are achieving notable box office success, drawing attention to non-traditional filmmaking paths. ‘Backrooms,’ directed by 20-year-old Kane Parsons, is projected to earn between $85 million and $90 million in its opening weekend for distributor A24. ‘Obsession,’ directed by 26-year-old Curry Barker, has increased its box office gross for two consecutive weekends, a feat not accomplished outside the Christmas season since 1982. Both films were produced by independent companies and feature directors who built followings online. Industry figures including producers Jason Blum and James Wan have praised the films for revitalizing theatrical attendance among younger audiences. Blum described feeling reminiscent of the 1970s era of young filmmakers breaking into the horror genre. The success has prompted discussions about the value of theatrical releases and the importance of original storytelling.
Key Facts
- ‘Backrooms’ is directed by Kane Parsons, a 20-year-old YouTuber, and distributed by A24 with co-financing from Chernin Entertainment.
- ‘Obsession’ is directed by Curry Barker, a 26-year-old YouTuber, and was released by Focus Features and Blumhouse.
- ‘Obsession’ opened on May 15 and increased its box office gross in its second and third weekends, the first non-Christmas film to do so since ‘E.T.’
- ‘Obsession’ was made for $750,000.
- ‘Backrooms’ had a production budget of $10 million.
- Both films are seen as successes for independent studios and are credited with drawing young audiences back to theaters.
Conflicting Reports
The projected opening weekend gross for ‘Backrooms’ varies slightly between sources. Variety reports a projected $85 million, while The Hollywood Reporter cites a possible $90 million. No significant factual contradictions were identified.
Still Unclear
- Variety provides plot details for ‘Obsession’ involving characters Dan and Nikki, and mentions actors Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette. (Single-source claim from Variety)
- The Hollywood Reporter mentions a forthcoming ‘Blair Witch Project’ reboot with creator Dylan Clark. (Single-source claim from THR)
- The Hollywood Reporter discusses Blumhouse-Atomic Monster’s merger and their aim to become the “Disney of horror.” (Single-source claim from THR)
- It is unclear whether ‘Obsession’ was solely a Focus Features acquisition or involved Blumhouse from the start, as Variety states Focus Features picked it up at the Toronto Film Festival, while THR credits both Focus and Blumhouse.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the sources.
Key Figures
- Kane Parsons, director of ‘Backrooms’
- Curry Barker, director of ‘Obsession’
- Jason Blum, producer
- James Wan, producer
- Michael Johnston, actor in ‘Obsession’ (mentioned in Variety)
- Inde Navarrette, actor in ‘Obsession’ (mentioned in Variety)
Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter
