The summer movie season typically showcases big-name Hollywood directors, but this year, two emerging filmmakers are stealing the spotlight with their debut films. Kane Parsons, 20, and Curry Barker, 26, known for their YouTube presence and the movies “Backrooms” and “Obsession,” have achieved box office success, making them some of the youngest filmmakers to top the charts.
The horror film “Backrooms” by Parsons premiered at No. 1 last weekend, earning over $5 million in Canada and $118 million globally. A24 recently declared it their highest-grossing film in North America within five days. Following closely behind is Barker’s psychological horror “Obsession,” which has amassed $150 million worldwide since its release over two weeks ago.
These young directors and their youthful fan bases, many of whom have followed them from YouTube, are influencing industry trends. Industry experts believe this trend could impact future project approvals.
Film editor Aaron Couch from The Hollywood Reporter attributes their success to their YouTube origins. He describes the current movie season as refreshing, with new talents and unconventional approaches drawing audiences.
“Backrooms” originated as a viral found-footage YouTube series with over 25 million views, gaining a dedicated following. Parsons emphasizes the attention to detail drawn from his online experiences. Barker, known for comedy sketches, ventured into horror with “Obsession” after releasing the feature film “Milk & Serial” on YouTube in 2024.
Chris Ferguson, a producer on “Backrooms,” anticipated the transition of Parsons’ online audience to theaters, emphasizing the importance of staying true to the series. Marlow Stern from Variety highlights how horror, with its low budget potential, fosters innovation, citing successful examples like “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and “Paranormal Activity.”
Both “Backrooms” and “Obsession” exemplify young horror directors finding success without massive budgets. “Obsession” was made with a budget of $750,000, while “Backrooms” had a $10 million budget. Notably, “Obsession” has seen increasing box office returns, defying typical industry trends.
Exit polls reveal a predominantly young audience for both films, signaling a shift reminiscent of the New Hollywood era. This generational change reflects a preference for authentic, original storytelling over big-budget franchises among younger moviegoers.
Despite the continued production of blockbusters, the success of these smaller films suggests a potential shift in industry focus towards supporting fresh and innovative projects. This trend signals a promising future for movies, injecting new life and excitement into the industry.
