The world of horror cinema is undergoing an exciting evolution, and it's all thanks to the fresh perspectives of young filmmakers emerging from the online realm. In a recent discussion, producers Jason Blum and James Wan highlighted this shift, emphasizing the success of their recent horror films, “Obsession” and “Backrooms,” which have dominated the box office.
Blum, speaking at the Produced by Conference, described this moment as “a really f*cking exciting” era for movies. He believes that the theatrical experience is far from irrelevant, and the proof lies in these new, unconventional films.
“Backrooms” and “Obsession”, he says, capture the essence of the 1970s with their edgy and unconventional nature. What's fascinating is that these films are directed by creators who honed their skills online, bringing a fresh and unique perspective to the big screen.
“The stars of the internet want to make movies,” Blum observes, and this shift in ambition is a beacon of hope for the movie business. These online creators are embracing the theatrical experience, and their obsession with audience reaction is a key factor in their success.
Blum and Wan's collaboration extends beyond their individual companies, Blumhouse and Atomic Monster, which merged over two years ago. They complement each other's strengths, with Wan bringing the creative vision and Blum contributing the business acumen.
The merger has allowed them to harness the talent of this new generation of creators and transform their online success into theatrical movies. It's a complicated process, but one that has paid off handsomely with the success of “Obsession.”
This success is a result of Blumhouse's course correction, which involved hiring Sam Zimmerman to refocus on low-budget movies directed by first-time directors. This strategic move has led to the studio's recent triumphs.
Looking ahead, Blumhouse-Atomic Monster aims to continue its success by refusing to get comfortable. Their aspiration, as Blum puts it, is to become “the Disney of horror” within the next five years.
With the success of “Backrooms,” which is expected to set a record for A24 films, this ambitious goal seems within reach. The feature directorial debut of Kane Parsons, who was just 16 when first approached by Wan, showcases the potential of this new generation of filmmakers.
Personally, I think this shift in the horror genre is incredibly exciting. It demonstrates the power of online platforms to nurture creative talent and offers a fresh perspective on the traditional movie-making process. It's a fascinating development, and I can't wait to see what other innovative films this new generation of filmmakers brings to the big screen.
