Gen z’s new metric: just good stories, says obsession director
The box office is buzzing, and for good reason. ‘Backrooms’ and ‘Obsession’ are dominating screens, but director Curry Barker isn’t focusing on IP or flashy franchises – he’s pinpointing a surprisingly simple, yet potent, key to their success: genuine storytelling.
A generation that just… shows up
Barker, 26 and firmly rooted in Gen Z, dismissed the notion that big-name properties are the sole driver of theater attendance. “The lesson is that Gen Z will show up to an original film,” he stated bluntly during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “Maybe that’s all that needs to be said: that we will show up to a film. I don’t think it’s about IP, necessarily.”
He elaborated, revealing a surprising sentiment: “It’s not even about being original or not being original. I think we’re all really hungry for good stories, and we’re kind of – and I can only speak for myself – a little tired of films that feel rushed or overly produced. We're craving something that feels… real.”
Happy, sad, confused: the gen z influence
Barker’s observations extend beyond his own work. He acknowledged the significant role Gen Z played in the resurgence of low-budget horror, citing ‘Happy, Sad, Confused’ as a prime example. “The lesson is that Gen Z will show up to an original film,” he repeated, emphasizing the generational shift. “They’re not swayed by the marketing hype or the established brand recognition. They’re looking for something authentic.”
His upcoming project, ‘Anything But Ghosts,’ starring himself, Cooper Tomlinson, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Aaron Paul, further demonstrates this trend. It’s another original story, a deliberate rejection of the established formula. And then there’s his Texas Chainsaw Massacre adaptation with A24 – a project he clearly approaches with a renewed focus on substance over spectacle. He’s not chasing legacy; he’s chasing a compelling narrative.
When pressed on what studios should understand about this new audience, Barker delivered a pointed critique: “I wish they understood that we’re tired of slop. We want good Movies back. People are still hungry for Movies that are original without some big IP, as long as the story is good.”
Beyond the box office
While anticipation simmers for a potential ‘Obsession 2’ – Barker hinting at a “cool idea” – the director’s priorities lie firmly in crafting the next generation of cinematic experiences. It’s a refreshing perspective, particularly in an industry often obsessed with sequels and reboots. The success of ‘Backrooms’ and ‘Obsession’ isn’t just a box office win; it’s a statement – a clear signal that audiences, particularly Gen Z, are demanding more than just spectacle. They want heart.