‘Exit 8’ and liminal space horror: A low-budget movie trend shaped by Gen Z’s most traumatic formative years

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns have significantly influenced the preferences of young moviegoers, leading to a fascination with films set in liminal spaces—those eerie, transitional areas that are neither here nor there, like empty malls or deserted office buildings. These spaces, once bustling with activity, now evoke a sense of unease and isolation, resonating with a generation that has experienced prolonged periods of social distancing and the decline of shared physical environments. As a result, horror movies set in these unsettling locations have gained popularity, reflecting the broader cultural shift towards exploring themes of emptiness and solitude. This trend highlights how the pandemic has reshaped not only social interactions but also the entertainment landscape, as filmmakers tap into the collective psyche of audiences who find both fear and fascination in the deserted. QUESTION: How might the growing interest in liminal spaces in films influence the way young people perceive and interact with their own environments?