Two Zoomer Horror Films: 'Backrooms' and 'Obsession'

Two horror films by young directors, Kane Parsons (20) and Curry Barker (26), have become box office hits. Parsons' 'Backrooms' (A24) is projected to earn $70 million in its opening weekend, while Barker's 'Obsession' (Focus Features) has grossed over $100 million worldwide since its May 15 release. Both films critique male toxicity: 'Backrooms' follows Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a middle-aged man who discovers a liminal dimension in his furniture store, while 'Obsession' centers on Bear (Michael Johnston), whose wish for a coworker's love turns into a supernatural violation. 'Backrooms' originated from a 2019 4chan post and a 2022 short film by Parsons. 'Obsession' premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. The films represent a trend of social-media-raised directors revitalizing theatrical horror.