Original Horror Films 'Obsession' and 'Backrooms' Dominate Discourse Alongside Star Wars at Box Office
By
Ryan Lattanzio
Fresh out the oven, still warm. Top of the tray.
Summary
The article discusses how two original horror films from young directors in their twenties — "Obsession" and "Backrooms" — are dominating theatrical discourse and box office conversation, even as "The Mandalorian" (a Star Wars film) won the Memorial Day box office crown. The piece highlights that Focus Features acquired "Obsession" for $15 million out of the Toronto Film Festival, positioning it as an earnestly Gen Z horror movie. The analysis comes from an episode of IndieWire's "Screen Talk" podcast, which also wraps up Cannes 2026.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledFocus Features plopped down $15 million for its first earnestly Gen Z horror movie, 'Obsession,' out of the Toronto Film Fest
The movies dominating theaters and conversation right now aren't the ones with Lucasfilm and Disney+ IP
Two new original horror films from directors in their twenties are ruling the discourse, and scaring up serious business
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