Nicolas Curcio and Kirby Gladstein’s micro-budget horror film Play House recently generated significant buzz at Fantastic Fest . The project transforms the eerie atmosphere of South Pasadena's abandoned residences into a psychological thriller about a twisted children's program.
South Pasadena's abandoned Craftsman homes as a catalyst
The creative spark for Play House came from the derelict Craftsman-style houses located along the freeway corridor in South Pasadena. According to the report, these homes were originally slated for a freeway project that never came to fruition, leaving behind a landscape of architectural ghosts. Nicolas Curcio and Kirby Gladstein used this specific urban decay as a metaphor for the fractured lives of the film's characters.
This approach aligns with a broader cinematic trend toward "liminal space" horror, where the dread is derived from environments that feel transitional or forgotten. By grounding the story in the real-world mystery of South Pasadena's stalled infrastructure, the filmmakers tapped into a visceral sense of place that resonates with audiences familiar with the haunting quality of abandoned Americana.
James Urbaniak's Mr. Morton and the subversion of Mr. Rogers
Central to the film's unsettling atmosphere is the character of Mr. Morton, voiced by James Urbaniak. As reported, the character was intentionally modeled after the gentle, reassuring persona of Mr. Rogers, but twisted into a sinister presence that maintains a facade of sincerity. This juxtapossition of childhood safety and adult terror is a cornerstone of the film's psychological impact.
The production relied heavily on a collaborative, improvisational approach to maintain authentic chemistry among the cast, which included Will Harrison and Jordan Gonzalez. A crew member named Laurence noted that this flexibility was essential for a micro-budget shoot, allowing the performers to ground the script's blend of nostalgia and horror in a way that felt urgent and real.
The interest from Focus Features and Blumhouse-Atomic Monster
The success of Play House at Fantastic Fest has triggered interest from industry giants, specifically Focus Features and the Blumhouse-Atomic Monster partnership. Both entities are well-known for identifying high-concept, low-cost indie horror films and scaling them for global audiences. The film's ability to create dread through VHS tapes of an unaired children's show—rather than expensive special effects—makes it an attractive asset for distributors looking for high ROI.
This interest highlights a shift in the horror genre where "analog horror"—a style characterized by lo-fi aesthetics and found footage—is moving from internet subcultures into the mainstream studio system. By rewarding viewer empathy and curiosity over jump scares, Play House positions itself as a sophisticated entry in the modern indie horror wave.
The roadmap to Obsession 2025 and Backrooms 2026
The momentum from Play House is already fueling a pipeline of future projects from the same creative team, including titles such as Obsession slated for 2025 and Backrooms for 2026. These upcoming films are expected to double down on the personal, low-budget style that defined their first success.
However,several key details remain unverified. While the report mentions interest from Focus Features and Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, it does not confirm if a distribution deal has been signed or what the financial terms might be. Additionally, it remains unclear how much of the improvisational style used in Play House will be carried over into the more structured production schedules of the 2025 and 2026 projects.
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