Steven Spielberg applauds 'Obsession', 'Backrooms' for turning low budgets into box office gold
Washington, June 6
Veteran filmmaker Steven Spielberg has praised the recent box office success of horror films 'Obsession' and 'Backrooms', applauding the filmmakers for achieving major theatrical results with modest budgets.
Speaking during a red carpet interview at a screening of his new film 'Disclosure Day', which premieres in theatres on June 12, the three-time Oscar winner expressed his admiration for the new generation of horror directors behind the breakout hits.
"I'm so happy for them. I think it's so fantastic," Spielberg said, adding, "I think it's great that they had basically very little money, especially Obsession had under USD 1 million, and the other film had maybe 10 or nine, and they're doing so well, and I just applaud them," as quoted by Deadline.
Spielberg also revealed that he has already watched 'Obsession' and was impressed by the film.
"I haven't seen Backrooms; I am going to see it when all this is over. But I have seen Obsession, and I loved it," he added.
Released in theatres on May 15, writer-director Curry Barker's 'Obsession' has emerged as a major horror success.
The film quickly became Focus Features' highest-grossing domestic release and has earned USD 151.3 million in the United States, as per Deadline.
Meanwhile, 'Backrooms', directed by Kane Parsons, has delivered a series of milestones for A24.
Parsons, who made his directorial debut at the age of 20 and became the studio's youngest-ever director, helped the film secure a record opening for the indie banner. According to Deadline, the horror feature has grossed USD 81.4 million domestically and USD 118 million worldwide.
Based on Parsons' web series, 'Backrooms' has since become A24's highest-grossing film in the domestic market and the studio's first title to surpass the USD 100 million mark domestically.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, Bollywood should take some notes. We spend crores on masala films that flop, while these indie filmmakers are telling great stories with next to nothing. 'Obsession' collecting $151 million from a $1 million budget? That's a masterclass in efficient filmmaking. Hope our producers wake up!
Good for them! Low-budget horror has always been a goldmine if the concept is strong. Kane Parsons being just 20 years old and directing A24's biggest domestic hit is incredible. Makes me wish India's young directors got similar opportunities without needing a star son's backing.
Spielberg praising these films is a big deal, but let's be real—horror is still a tough sell in Indian theatres unless it's got a big name attached. We had 'Tumbbad' which was brilliant but didn't get this kind of mainstream attention. Wish our audiences would support more original horror. 😔
I love that Spielberg is cheering on the next generation. The fact that 'Obsession' cost under $1 million and made over $150 million is honestly mind-blowing. It shows that storytelling trumps big budgets any day. Hoping this inspires more filmmakers to take risks!
As a film student in India, this gives me so much hope. We always think we need huge budgets to make it big, but these films prove otherwise. The creativity required to work with limited resources often leads to the most innovative work. Just wish our distribution systems were better for indie films here! ✨
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