UMVA has learned that two young, up-and-coming horror filmmakers are making waves in the industry with their debut feature films, which are now showing in Philippine cinemas.
Kane Parsons, a 20-year-old YouTuber-turned-horror filmmaker, has turned his popular short film and web-series, Backrooms, into a full-length psychological horror film. The movie brings to life the eerie, inexplicable architecture of the mind, exploring the liminal spaces that haunt the human psyche.
The film follows Clark, a divorced alcoholic and furniture salesman played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, and his therapist Mary, played by Renate Reinsve, as they navigate the complex interiority of the mind. Their traumas and hang-ups manifest in the physical spaces they explore, including the backrooms, a massive, looping underground maze of strange office and home interiors.
Parsons' Gen Z outlook on aesthetics makes him uniquely equipped to repurpose visual and sonic elements to convey present-day ennui and self-awareness. The film's dense atmosphere and ambient score are sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
However, the film's self-important, discursive arthouse quality sometimes detracts from its inherent mysterious power. Despite this, Backrooms is a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, tackling themes of nostalgia, melancholy, and the blurring of reality.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that another young filmmaker, Curry Barker, has also made a name for himself with his feature film debut, Obsession. The movie tells the story of a young man named Bear, played by Michael Johnston, who makes a wish on a vintage toy for his crush, Nikki, played by Inde Navarrete, to love him more than anyone in the world.
As the wish unexpectedly comes true, Bear is faced with the disastrous consequences of Nikki's transformation into a terrifyingly obsessive girlfriend. The film is a solid crowd-pleaser, catering to both men and women who will be scared by the concept of a drastically infatuated partner.
Obsession explores the complexities of love, relationships, and the dangers of self-serving intentions. While the film falls short in allowing more room for Nikki to be sympathized with, it is still a darkly funny and malevolent movie that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
Both Backrooms and Obsession are impressive debuts from young filmmakers who are sure to make a name for themselves in the horror genre. Their unique perspectives and approaches to storytelling make them must-see films for fans of horror and psychological thrillers.
