Stop Trying to Combine ‘Backrooms’ and ‘Obsession’ Into a Single Trend — Opinion

The burgeoning trend of horror films emerging from the digital realm, particularly those helmed by directors with roots in online content creation, presents a complex landscape for the film industry. While recent successes have generated considerable excitement, a closer examination suggests that these achievements do not signal a unified path forward for studios, but rather highlight distinct avenues for future development. The convergence of internet culture and cinematic storytelling, exemplified by these projects, offers valuable insights into evolving audience engagement and creative sourcing.

The discourse surrounding these films has, at times, attempted to conflate distinct creative impulses into a singular trend. However, the underlying narratives and thematic explorations suggest a divergence. One direction draws inspiration from established internet lore, such as the "Backrooms" phenomenon, which taps into a pre-existing, user-generated mythology. This approach leverages the inherent virality and communal storytelling of online platforms. The other, perhaps represented by films exploring intense psychological states or "obsession," delves into more introspective and character-driven horror, often drawing on the directorial vision of creators who have honed their craft through digital mediums.

The implications for studios are significant. The success of films originating from these different digital origins indicates a dual potential: the ability to tap into established online communities and their content, and the capacity to cultivate new talent with a unique understanding of digital aesthetics and audience connection. This suggests that a strategy of simply combining these elements might overlook the specific strengths and appeal of each. Instead, a more nuanced approach, recognizing the individual merits of these distinct creative trajectories, could prove more fruitful in identifying and nurturing the next wave of genre filmmaking.

Looking ahead, the industry faces the challenge of discerning how best to capitalize on these emerging trends. Rather than seeking a monolithic "internet horror" trend, studios may benefit from understanding the specific appeal of content derived from distinct online phenomena and the unique creative voices that have emerged from these spaces. The ongoing evolution of digital platforms and their influence on popular culture will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of filmmaking, offering both opportunities and complexities for storytellers and industry leaders alike.