This summer’s movie season has seen the rise of two young directors, Kane Parsons, 20, and Curry Barker, 26, who have made their mark with their debut films, “Backrooms” and “Obsession.” Both filmmakers, known for their YouTube content, have achieved box office success, with “Backrooms” becoming A24’s highest-grossing film in North America in just five days.
“Backrooms,” a liminal space horror, topped the box office charts, earning over $5 million in Canada and $118 million globally. On the other hand, psychological horror “Obsession” by Barker has raked in $150 million worldwide since its release. These young directors have attracted a youthful audience, many of whom have followed their YouTube channels, signaling a potential shift in the types of projects that may receive backing in the future.
Industry experts attribute the success of Parsons and Barker to their YouTube backgrounds, which have cultivated dedicated fan bases. The horror genre, known for its low-budget entry points, has historically fostered innovation and commercial success, as seen in past cult classics like “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and “Paranormal Activity.”
“Backrooms” originated as a viral YouTube series, amassing millions of views before transitioning to the big screen. Parsons’ meticulous attention to detail and Barker’s prior foray into horror with “Milk & Serial” on YouTube have propelled their success in the film industry.
Both “Backrooms” and “Obsession” represent a departure from big-budget productions, with the former made on a budget of $10 million and the latter on a mere $750,000. Their success contrasts with high-budget films like “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,” highlighting the appeal of innovative and authentic storytelling to modern audiences.
With a growing trend of younger moviegoers driving box office success, the industry is witnessing a shift towards supporting smaller, more authentic projects. While franchises like Marvel and Star Wars continue to dominate, the achievements of Parsons and Barker suggest a promising path forward for fresh and engaging cinema experiences.
