Horror Films Obsession and Backrooms Embrace Obsolete Tech

The indie-horror films "Obsession" and "Backrooms" have marked the beginning of the summer movie season with significant financial success, each grossing hundreds of millions of dollars and attracting a large audience of younger moviegoers. Both films were created with relatively small budgets by Gen Z directors, Curry Barker and Kane Parsons, who initially gained recognition on YouTube. A notable shared characteristic of these films, beyond their directorial origins, is their extensive use of analogue props and production design, which immerses the viewer in a pre-digital era. In "Obsession," the main characters, Bear and Nikki, work at a small music store, travel in Bear's vintage station wagon, and the narrative revolves around a kitschy, old-fashioned gag gift. This deliberate inclusion of outdated technology and aesthetics contributes to the film's distinct atmosphere and appeal. Similarly, "Backrooms" features Mary selling her self-help cassette tapes through late-night infomercials, and Clark resorting to hitting his television to adjust a fuzzy signal, an action rarely seen in the current HDTV era. The film's setting, characterized by wall-to-wall carpeting and ceiling tiles, evokes the appearance of a long-abandoned office park. This trend suggests a broader movement within contemporary horror filmmaking, where a fascination with obsolete technology is becoming a prominent stylistic choice. The success of "Obsession" and "Backrooms" indicates that audiences are receptive to these retro-themed narratives, potentially signaling a shift away from minimalist aesthetics in favor of nostalgic and tangible elements. The films' ability to connect with a younger demographic, despite their reliance on older technologies, highlights a complex relationship with the past and its material culture. The directors' YouTube origins also point to the evolving landscape of filmmaking, where digital platforms can serve as launchpads for creators who then bring distinct visual and thematic sensibilities to mainstream cinema. The financial performance of these films, particularly their ability to generate hundreds of millions of dollars on modest budgets, underscores the commercial viability of this emerging trend in the horror genre. This embrace of analogue elements not only serves as a visual motif but also contributes to the thematic depth of the films, exploring themes of nostalgia, obsolescence, and the enduring power of tangible objects in an increasingly digital world. The specific details, such as cassette tapes and vintage cars, are not merely set dressing but integral components that shape the characters' experiences and the overall narrative. The contrast between these analogue elements and the modern expectations of viewers creates a unique tension that appears to resonate strongly with audiences. The directors' deliberate choices in production design and prop selection are key to the films' critical and commercial reception, demonstrating a keen understanding of how to leverage nostalgia for contemporary impact. The success of "Obsession" and "Backrooms" suggests that the horror genre is continuing to innovate by drawing inspiration from the past, offering audiences a fresh perspective through the lens of obsolete technology.