A24 will release the science-fiction horror movie "The Backrooms" on May 29 [3].
The project marks a significant transition for director Kane Parsons, who is moving a viral internet concept into the mainstream cinematic landscape. By adapting a YouTube series for a major studio, the film tests the viability of internet-native horror as a foundation for new theatrical franchises.
Parsons, whose age has been reported as either 19 [1] or 20 [2], wrote and directed the feature. The film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve [4]. According to reporter Ryan Gajewski, the plot centers on two people who find a mysterious door in the basement of a furniture showroom [6].
Parsons has credited Osgood Perkins as a significant influence during the production process. "He's a great mentor figure," Parsons said [2]. This mentorship comes as the director navigates the leap from independent web content to a high-budget studio environment.
The transition from short-form digital media to a feature-length narrative reflects a growing trend of studios scouting talent from social platforms. Parsons has previously spoken about the accessibility of modern filmmaking. "There's technically nothing stopping you," Parsons said [5].
Produced by A24 in the U.S. [1], the movie is intended to launch a new franchise for the studio [7]. The film's release follows a trajectory of high anticipation from the original online community that popularized the "backrooms" concept, a surreal, liminal space consisting of endless yellow hallways.
“"There's technically nothing stopping you."”
The release of 'The Backrooms' represents the institutionalization of 'creepypasta' and liminal space aesthetics by A24. By leveraging a director who grew up within the ecosystem of the source material, the studio is attempting to capture a Gen Z audience that consumes horror through non-traditional, fragmented digital narratives rather than standard cinematic tropes.
