Steven Spielberg Applauds Rising Horror Filmmakers as He Prepares for Disclosure Day
A Legendary Director's Journey
Renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg has been crafting his cinematic vision since his teenage years. By the age of 23, he was already directing television shows, and he made his feature film debut at 28 with The Sugarland Express (1974). His next project, Jaws (1975), redefined the summer blockbuster genre in Hollywood. As he gears up for the release of his new film, Disclosure Day, Spielberg took a moment to discuss the fresh wave of horror filmmakers, Kane Parsons and Curry Barker, who are making significant strides in the industry with their projects, Backrooms and Obsession. He praised their ability to create compelling films on limited budgets while achieving impressive box office results.
Spielberg's Encouragement for New Talent
Steven Spielberg expresses support for Obsession, Backrooms director
During a promotional event for his sci-fi film Disclosure Day, Spielberg was asked about the new generation of filmmakers making their mark in Hollywood. On the red carpet, the Oscar-winning director expressed his joy at seeing young directors succeed after producing their horror films with minimal resources. He shared his admiration for their accomplishments.
He stated, "It’s remarkable that they were able to create their films with such limited funding, especially Obsession, which had a budget of under $1 million, while the other film was made for around $9 or 10 million, and they are performing exceptionally well. I commend them for that." Spielberg noted that he had not yet seen Backrooms but intended to watch it once the promotional activities for Disclosure Day were finished. However, he had seen Obsession and found it thoroughly enjoyable.
Exploring Obsession
About Obsession
Barker, who previously gained fame for his sketch comedies on YouTube, produced the horror film with a budget of $750,000. Starring Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette, Obsession has become Focus Features' highest-grossing film in the US, raking in $151.3 million. The 26-year-old writer, director, and editor crafted a story about a young man named Bear (Johnston) who acquires a supernatural toy called One Wish Willow. His wish for his childhood friend Nikki (Navarrette) to love him leads to a dangerous obsession. The film also features Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter.
The Success of Backrooms
About Backrooms
On the other hand, Parsons, at just 20 years old, has made history as A24's youngest director. Backrooms has become A24's second highest-grossing film worldwide, earning $146.2 million. The film draws inspiration from Parsons' own web series and follows a furniture store owner named Clark, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, who stumbles upon a maze of rooms in the store's basement. His therapist, Mary (Renate Reinsve), follows him into the labyrinth. The cast also includes Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, and Lukita Maxwell.