This weekend’s two biggest movies were both directed by YouTubers

In a surprise turn of events, two independent films have made significant strides in the box office: "Backrooms" and "Obsession." These eerie feature films expand on each other's mysteries, defying physics and captivating audiences.

Directed by Kane Parsons, "Backrooms" has grossed $38 million in its first weekend at the domestic box office. Its success is expected to bring in a total of $80 million to $90 million over the weekend alone. This marks A24's biggest opening by far, surpassing their previous record of $25.7 made by "Civil War."

While not as high-profile as "Backrooms," "Obsession" has also seen impressive growth. Despite its modest box office performance in its first weekend, it is expected to grow by 19% on its third weekend. This is a remarkable achievement for an indie film, especially considering the standard growth rate of wide release films.

The success of these two independent films highlights the growing demand for content that stands out from the usual releases. According to industry experts, like Mark DelVecchio, Rutgers Cinema general manager, this trend is driven by the loyalty of audiences who follow creators over time. This phenomenon has led to a surge in independent film productions, including those directed by young filmmakers.

The key to success lies not only in producing high-quality content but also in building a strong online presence and engaging with fans. As evidenced by "Backrooms" and "Obsession," these films have done just that, generating buzz and attracting new viewers through social media platforms.

As the demand for independent film continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how this trend unfolds. One thing is certain – these two films are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of cinema, and we can expect more exciting developments in the months to come.