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Horror Hits Defy Odds, Experts Urge Caution
23 Sep
Summary
- Two low-budget horror films earned over $900 million globally.
- Industry experts called this success an anomaly, not a trend.
- Fresh storytelling and diverse genres are key to future hits.

Recent industry discussions at the San Sebastian Film Festival's Creative Investors' Conference centered on the unexpected success of two low-budget horror films, "Obsession" and "Backrooms." These movies have collectively grossed over $900 million worldwide, sparking intense interest in identifying similar breakout hits.
However, industry veterans described these successes as "black swan events" or anomalies. They stressed that such highly improbable outcomes should not dictate future investment strategies. Instead, the focus should remain on "sensibility" and discerning which projects genuinely resonate with audiences.
Experts highlighted the importance of "fresh ways of telling story" to engage a broader audience, cautioning against over-reliance on Hollywood tropes. They also noted that success is not confined to specific genres, pointing to dramas like "Elsinore" as examples of how compelling narratives, strong vision, and appropriate budgeting can lead to widespread appeal across any genre.