Why the Industry's Obsession with 'Obsession' and 'Backrooms' Is a Dangerous Misstep

When Horror Becomes a Mania

Let's get one thing straight: the box office success of Obsession and Backrooms is nothing short of spectacular. Both films, born from humble beginnings, have now earned over $900 million globally—making them the kind of phenomenon that studios dream about. But as I sat through the Creative Investors' Conference at the San Sebastian Film Festival, it became clear: this isn't a blueprint for future hits.

"Nobody saw those two movies coming," said Sarah Schweitzman of CAA Media Finance. "So next year, when we have something that's completely different that's a phenomenal success that nobody saw coming, people will immediately want to go to that place and say, 'Oh, this is where the film business is moving.' But it's about the surprise of it."

Right there, she nailed it. We're in a dangerous period of filmmaking where the industry's focus has shifted from creative storytelling to predictable formulas. When one film becomes a global sensation, suddenly everyone wants to replicate its success—without considering what made it special in the first place.

The Black Swan Effect

Raj Singh of Media Capital Technologies described both films as individual 'black swan events.' In other words, they were unexpected. The fact that two such different horror films—one psychological thriller and one existential dread—both exploded in popularity within a year? That's not a trend; it's an anomaly.

And yet, the industry is already trying to find the next viral horror star. They're looking for the next YouTube sensation, the next 'Obsession' or 'Backrooms'—but what if those films succeeded because they were unpredictable, not because of a formula?

Genres Are Not to Be Dismissed

One of the most eye-opening moments came from Black Bear International's Laura Austin-Little, who boldly declared, "I just don't think you can disqualify any genre." This is exactly where the conversation should pivot. While horror has been treated as a low-budget, low-rent category for too long, these two films proved that genre storytelling, when done right, can reach universal audiences.

But that doesn't mean we should be chasing trends. As Schweitzman noted, "We get a little bit focused on the tropes that we think work in Hollywood, which is detrimental for local business." It's a chilling reminder of how the industry often forgets that the best stories come from fresh perspectives, not rehashed formulas.

The Real Story Behind the Success

Let me tell you about something I noticed while watching the conference panelists. While they all praised Backrooms and Obsession, they were careful to emphasize that these films didn't simply replicate the horror genre—they created something new within it.

Backrooms took a niche internet meme, transformed it into a visceral experience of psychological unease. Obsession used the familiar horror framework but added layers of emotional manipulation that resonated with audiences far beyond what the genre typically attracts. These aren't films we can easily replicate—they're the result of unique storytelling voices and creative risk-taking.

The Dangers of Mimicry

I've seen too many studios rush to create their own 'horror' films, only to end up with forgettable, soulless imitations. The problem isn't that these genres don't work—they work when they're told by the right people with the right vision.

The industry's obsession with mimicking viral hits leads to a dangerous homogenization of storytelling. It creates a pipeline where only certain types of films get greenlit, and those that don't fit into the narrow mold are quickly discarded—no matter how much heart or originality they possess.

A Better Way Forward

Instead of chasing after another 'Obsession' or 'Backrooms,' I believe we should be investing in diverse voices and innovative narratives. Studios should focus on what makes a film unique, not just what's trending. That means supporting filmmakers who take risks, tell stories that haven't been told before, and challenge audiences in meaningful ways.

We've seen it with Elsinore, the Oscar hopeful from Studiocanal and Focus Features—another genre film that broke expectations. The industry may have dismissed dramas as difficult, but this movie proved otherwise. It's about having a great script, a visionary filmmaker, and an understanding of what resonates emotionally.

Why We Need More Than Just Trends

The real danger isn't that we'll miss the next big hit—it's that we'll miss the true creative opportunities. As industry professionals are quick to point out, it's not about genre exclusivity, but about how we approach storytelling with intentionality and openness.

Let me say this clearly: if we keep chasing viral anomalies like Backrooms and Obsession, we'll lose sight of the artistry that makes cinema so powerful. We need to stop treating horror as a shortcut, and instead, embrace it as an avenue for bold storytelling.

The Future of Storytelling

As I reflect on this conversation, I'm reminded of how much we've already lost by clinging to outdated formulas. What if the next big hit isn't another horror film? What if it's a sci-fi drama with emotional depth or a comedy that challenges our assumptions about identity and belonging?

We should be excited about the future of filmmaking, not the past. It's time for studios to trust their instincts, support artists who are pushing boundaries, and remember that creativity doesn't come from following trends—it comes from daring to be different.