- Obsession has made over €15 million in box office in the UK and Ireland, while Backrooms has made over €12 million.
- Obsession has already made 330 times its $750 thousand budget.
- Obsession has made $297 million (€259.14 million) worldwide, making it the highest grossing film ever made by the studio Focus Features.
- Backrooms is now A24's highest grossing film of all time, after making over $262 million despite being made on a budget of $10 million.
- Brian Lloyd, host of the Screenland podcast, noted that one of the main reasons behind the popularity of these films is that they actually have something to say about the world.
- Lloyd stated that audiences have felt a visceral reaction from films like Obsession and Backrooms that has been lacking in recent years.
- Lloyd explained that films with big budgets must be as broad as possible to attract a wide audience, while smaller budget films can be more unique.
- He believes the popularity of these horror films represents the birth of a New Hollywood, similar to the rise of George Lucas in the 70s.
- According to Lloyd, Hollywood is in need of new blood and new ideas.
- Lloyd predicts that both Obsession and Backrooms will be contenders for awards at next year’s Oscars.
Obsession, a supernatural horror film, has made an astonishing 330 times its $750,000 budget, ranking second at the UK and Irish box office five weeks post-release. It has grossed over €15 million in the UK and Ireland, while Backrooms, a science fiction horror adaptation, has earned over €12 million and is A24's highest-grossing film, raking in $262 million worldwide on a $10 million budget.1234610
Brian Lloyd, host of the Screenland podcast, attributes the success of these films to their meaningful narratives, stating they “actually have something to say” about the world. He noted, “There’s not been much in the last several years, where audiences have actually gone to see something and have felt the kind of visceral reaction that they get from something like Obsession and Backrooms.”5
In stark contrast, big-budget films like Masters of The Universe have struggled, grossing only $120 million against a $170 million budget. Lloyd argues that such films must appeal broadly, which often dilutes their impact. He believes the success of these lower-budget films signals a shift in Hollywood, akin to the rise of George Lucas in the 70s. “Hollywood is in need of new blood,” he said, emphasizing the demand for fresh voices and ideas. Lloyd predicts that both films will be contenders at next year’s Oscars.9
“Obsession has made $297 million worldwide, becoming Focus Features' highest grossing film, while Backrooms has grossed over $262 million, making it A24's top film. Brian Lloyd highlights that the success of these budget films indicates a shift in Hollywood towards new voices and unique storytelling.”
The Journal