A24 has released the horror film "Backrooms," an adaptation of the popular internet creepypasta and meme [1, 2].
The film represents a significant attempt to translate a digital-native aesthetic—specifically the concept of liminal spaces—into a feature-length theatrical experience. Because the original source material relies on a decentralized, community-driven lore, the movie serves as a test for how viral internet horror translates to traditional cinema.
Directed by Kane Parsons, who previously developed a YouTube series based on the concept, the movie stars Renate Reinsve and Chiwetel Ejiofor [2, 3]. The production focuses on the unsettling atmosphere of the "Backrooms," an endless maze of empty, yellow-toned office spaces, and corridors [1, 4].
Critical reception following the May 27, 2026 [1] release has been mixed. Some reviewers praised the visual execution while questioning the narrative depth. A reviewer for TheWrap said, "Renate Reinsve and Chiwetel Ejiofor star in an A24 horror film with brilliant production design — and not much else" [2].
Other critics noted that the conceptual nature of the story might have been better suited for shorter formats. However, some outlets suggested that die-hard fans of the original creepypasta would appreciate the faithful adaptation of the liminal horror elements [5, 6].
Parsons' transition from independent digital content to an A24 production highlights a growing trend of studios sourcing intellectual property from niche internet subcultures [3]. The film aims to capture the specific dread associated with the "Backrooms" lore, which emphasizes the fear of being trapped in an unfamiliar, repetitive environment [1, 4].
“Renate Reinsve and Chiwetel Ejiofor star in an A24 horror film with brilliant production design — and not much else.”
The release of Backrooms signals a shift in how studios approach intellectual property, moving beyond established franchises to adapt 'creepypastas' and viral memes. By hiring the original digital creator, Kane Parsons, A24 is attempting to maintain authenticity for a digitally literate audience. However, the mixed reviews suggest a fundamental tension between the abstract, atmospheric nature of internet lore and the structural requirements of a feature-length screenplay.
