Low-Budget Horror Takes the Spotlight: Backrooms and Obsession Dominate the Box Office
This past weekend, the world of cinema witnessed a thrilling shift as low-budget horror films took center stage at the box office. Two standout projects, Backrooms and Obsession, driven by young filmmakers from YouTube, have proven that a tight budget doesn’t mean a lack of creativity or audience engagement.
Leading the pack is A24’s Backrooms, which pulled in an impressive estimated domestic gross of $81.45 (approx. Rs 22,810) million from 3,442 theaters, racking up a worldwide total of $118 (approx. Rs 33,040) million. The film, directed by up-and-coming YouTuber Kane Parsons (also known as Kane Pixels), has captivated viewers with its spine-chilling narrative that feels like a creepy pasta come to life. The positive buzz and critical acclaim have clearly resonated with fans, kicking off the summer movie season on a high note.
What makes Backrooms even more remarkable is that it marks the directorial debut of Parsons, who at just 20 years old, managed to create a film with a budget of only $10 (approx. Rs 2,800) million. This kind of success is something any filmmaker would celebrate, but for a newcomer, it’s nothing short of extraordinary.
Not far behind is Focus Features’ Obsession, which has claimed the second spot at the box office after three weekends of theatrical run since its release on May 15. Directed by 26-year-old Curry Barker, this film, created on a shoestring budget of $750,000, has raked in an impressive $26.4 (approx. Rs 7,390) million domestically over the weekend—a 10% rise from the previous week. With a total domestic haul of $104.75 (approx. Rs 29,330) million and an international total of $40.2 (approx. Rs 11,260) million, Obsession has crossed the $148 (approx. Rs 41,440) million mark globally, showcasing the power of word-of-mouth marketing fueled by stellar performances, especially from Inde Navarrette as Nikki.
In fact, Obsession has made history as the first film to see its box office numbers rise during its second and third weekends since the classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial back in 1982. It’s clear that audiences are eager to step into theaters, not just for the blockbusters but for these hidden gems that pack a punch.
Both Backrooms and Obsession have received rave reviews, with scores of 8/10 from critics. Described as a “terrifying and thrilling debut” for Backrooms, while Obsession is lauded for establishing Barker as a significant voice in the horror genre. It’s a refreshing change that speaks volumes about the evolving landscape of cinema.
As the box office report wraps up, Backrooms and Obsession have firmly secured their spots, with other films like the Star Wars spinoff The Mandalorian taking third place, followed by Michael and The Breadwinner rounding out the top five. So, whether you’re a horror fan or just looking for something fresh to watch, these films are definitely worth a visit to your local cinema!
Note: PKR figures are approximate, based on a rate of Rs 280.00 per USD. Exchange rates fluctuate — please check the latest dollar rate for exact pricing.