Getting a standing ovation from audiences is one thing. Getting a shoutout from Steven Spielberg — the man behind Jaws, Schindler’s List, and E.T. — is an entirely different league. And that’s exactly what the directors of Obsession and Backrooms just received, making this one of the most feel-good Hollywood stories of 2026.
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What Did Spielberg Actually Say?
Speaking to Deadline at a recent event, Spielberg expressed genuine admiration for the remarkable box office runs of both low-budget horror films. He said he is completely in awe of what these filmmakers have accomplished, adding that he thinks it’s fantastic that they achieved so much with so little money — with Obsession made for under $1 million and Backrooms for around $9–10 million. He also confirmed he has personally watched Obsession and loved it, and intends to watch Backrooms soon. gulfnews
That kind of endorsement from one of Hollywood‘s most celebrated directors is priceless — no marketing budget can buy it.
Spielberg Films Overview
| Detail | Obsession | Backrooms |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Curry Barker (Age 26) | Kane Parsons (Age 20) |
| Budget | Under $1 million | ~$9–10 million |
| Genre | Psychological Horror | Psychological Horror |
| Key Cast | Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette | Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, Mark Duplass |
| Spielberg’s Verdict | Watched it — loved it | Plans to watch soon |
Two Young Directors, One Giant Moment
What makes this story so compelling is the human element behind it. Obsession is directed by 26-year-old Curry Barker, while Backrooms is the brainchild of 20-year-old filmmaker, musician, and YouTuber Kane Parsons. These aren’t industry veterans with studio backing — they’re young creatives who bet on original ideas and won big. gulfnews
It’s a timely reminder that in an era of sequels, reboots, and franchise fatigue, audiences still hunger for fresh, original storytelling. When the idea is strong enough, the budget becomes irrelevant.
Why This Matters for Hollywood
The back-to-back global success of two micro-budget horror films signals a significant shift in audience taste. When Spielberg — a man who has made some of the most expensive films in history — publicly applauds filmmakers for doing more with less, it sends a clear message to the entire industry: originality still wins.
For more Hollywood news and box office updates, check out our latest entertainment coverage on TechnoSports.
FAQs
Q: Has Steven Spielberg watched the film Obsession?
Yes — Spielberg confirmed he watched Obsession and loved it, calling its under-$1-million success fantastic and praising director Curry Barker’s achievement.
Q: Who directed Backrooms and what is its budget?
Backrooms is directed by 20-year-old Kane Parsons — a filmmaker and YouTuber — made on a budget of approximately $9–10 million, and has gone on to become a major global horror hit.
