Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan has expressed admiration for a new generation of young filmmakers driving the success of recent horror films, highlighting their contributions as a sign of the ongoing evolution of cinema. Nolan spoke during a promotional interview for his upcoming epic, “The Odyssey,” emphasizing the meticulous production process behind the film, which involved shooting across multiple countries and coordinating what he described as a “cast of thousands.”

Nolan pointed to the works of Curry Barker and Kane Parsons, the creative forces behind the breakout horror titles “Obsession” and “Backrooms,” as prime examples of innovative voices in contemporary filmmaking. He credited these younger directors with crafting atmospheric and mysterious narratives that have resonated deeply with younger audiences, countering concerns that modern viewers lack the attention span for lengthy, immersive films.

“I think cinema is vital and essential and continues to transform itself,” Nolan said. He also dismissed critiques that younger generations are disengaged from complex storytelling, referencing the continued appeal of a three-hour Greek epic as evidence to the contrary.

In describing “Backrooms,” Nolan drew a comparison to the work of David Lynch, noting its abstraction and obscurity as stylistic strengths that contribute to its impact. The director’s remarks underline his belief in the medium’s adaptability and longevity amid shifting audience preferences and industry challenges.

Nolan additionally addressed the controversial topic of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. He observed that AI-generated content has faced swift rejection, particularly from younger viewers, including his own children who are in their late teens and early twenties. The director referred to AI-created work disparagingly as “AI slop,” highlighting a broader skepticism toward the technology’s artistic merits.

As Nolan prepares for the release of “The Odyssey,” his comments reinforce a vision of cinema as a dynamic art form, continuously enriched by emerging talent and resistant to technological shortcuts that might compromise creative integrity.