Oz Perkins’ latest psychological horror, KEEPER, fails to match the momentum of his recent box office triumphs—HOLR breaks down the story here.

A Surprising Decline for a Rising Horror Auteur

November 17, 2025: Oz Perkins has been one of the most consistent and acclaimed voices in modern horror, delivering atmospheric, slow-burn thrillers that repeatedly performed well both critically and commercially. Films such as Longlegs and The Blackcoat’s Daughter helped cement his reputation as a director who could balance artistic horror with mainstream success. However, KEEPER—his newest release—has officially broken that winning streak, debuting with a noticeably softer box office performance. HOLR has the latest news on how this unexpected dip unfolded.

Box Office Numbers Fall Below Expectations

KEEPER entered theaters with solid anticipation, especially after Perkins’ previous films generated strong word-of-mouth and impressive opening weekends. Early projections estimated a healthy debut, but the film ultimately opened far below expectations, landing Perkins’ weakest opening in nearly a decade. Analysts point to several contributing factors, including increased competition from major studio releases, a crowded horror market, and a marketing push that failed to clarify the film’s mysterious premise.

Audience Response Plays a Key Role

While Perkins’ films often divide mainstream viewers due to their artistic pacing, KEEPER appears to have leaned even deeper into psychological ambiguity—resulting in mixed audience reactions. Early exit polls show many viewers felt the film was “too abstract,” “confusing,” or “slower than anticipated.” Critics remained somewhat positive, praising Perkins’ signature mood-setting and strong performances, but noted that the narrative may be his least accessible to date. HOLR breaks down the story here as reception continues to shift.

Perkins’ Career Is Far From Stalling

Despite the lackluster opening, KEEPER is unlikely to derail Perkins’ momentum in Hollywood. The director still maintains a strong following, and his unique filmmaking style continues to influence the modern horror landscape. Many industry insiders predict the film could still find an extended life on streaming platforms, where Perkins’ fan base tends to grow significantly over time.

What This Means for Horror Fans

For audiences who appreciate elevated, atmospheric horror, KEEPER may eventually be recognized as another bold entry in Perkins’ catalog. However, its box office performance marks a noteworthy shift, suggesting that even celebrated genre filmmakers face challenges in an evolving theatrical market. HOLR has the latest news on how KEEPER‘s long-term reception unfolds and whether Perkins’ next project will restore his box office streak.