Did ‘Backrooms’ and ‘Obsession’ Really Kick Off a Gen-Z Horror Wave?

The horror films 'Talk to Me' and 'When Evil Lurks' achieved significant box office success in 2023, signaling a potential shift in the genre's landscape. 'Talk to Me,' directed by Australian brothers Danny and Michael Philippou, grossed over $92 million worldwide against a $4.5 million budget, according to A24. The film's success is attributed to its fresh take on possession tropes and its appeal to younger audiences. Similarly, 'When Evil Lurks,' from Argentine director Demián Rugna, garnered critical acclaim and strong international box office performance, exceeding $1.5 million in its opening weekend in the US alone, a notable achievement for a foreign-language horror film. These films, alongside others like 'Skinamarink,' directed by 29-year-old Kyle Edward Ball, which garnered significant attention and a cult following, suggest a growing influence of emerging filmmakers and a renewed interest in independent horror. The success of these projects, often characterized by low budgets and innovative storytelling, challenges traditional studio models and highlights the power of viral marketing and word-of-mouth for reaching contemporary audiences. The question remains whether this trend represents a sustainable movement or a fleeting moment driven by specific cultural trends.