Gen Z loves movies and TV shows set in liminal spaces. From Severance’s fluorescent-lit office spaces to Forbidden Fruits’ shopping mall after hours, some of the most popular horror movies and shows among young viewers unfold in uncanny settings. And while it might sound odd, some of this appeal is rooted in nostalgia. Our very own managing content editor Tori D’Amico told Fast Company that liminal spaces can tap into Gen Z’s nostalgia for familiar spaces from their childhood—like malls and schoolgrounds, but with a dark twist. Abandoned and “liminal” spaces draw in Gen Z viewers because they evoke feelings tied to the COVID-19 pandemic, when social distancing turned once-lively places into quiet, lonely, and surreal environments. This taste for unease and psychological tension has captured the attention of young viewers, with YPulse data showing 30% of 13-17-year-olds watching horror/thriller video content weekly, setting up new releases like Exit 8 and Backrooms for success. (Fast Company)
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