‘I never thought people might feel threatened by us’: YouTuber Curry Barker on his big horror ascent

Key Points:

• Filmmaker Curry Barker has rapidly risen from making low-budget YouTube comedy skits to directing his acclaimed horror debut "Obsession," which premiered at Toronto and holds a 96% Rotten Tomatoes rating, marking it as one of the year's best-reviewed horror films.
• "Obsession" explores the dark consequences of a wish gone wrong, portraying a non-consensual relationship that has sparked discussions around themes of male entitlement and "incel horror," with Barker acknowledging the complexity of his protagonist's actions.
• The film faced censorship challenges, initially receiving an NC-17 rating due to graphic violence, but was edited to an R rating without losing the scene's impact, reflecting Barker's careful balance between artistic vision and commercial viability.
• Barker is currently working on a follow-up thriller featuring stars Aaron Paul and Bryce Dallas Howard and has been announced as the director for a new installment of the iconic "Texas Chain Saw Massacre" franchise, though he is cautious about fan reactions and online scrutiny.
• Representing a new generation of Gen Z horror filmmakers with online roots, Barker embraces traditional cinema experiences and expresses concern about AI's impact on filmmaking, emphasizing the ongoing demand for human-created content and the enduring appeal of movie theaters.