A24 has released the horror film “Backrooms,” which opened in U.S. theaters this week for the weekend of May 30-31 [1, 2].
The film marks a significant attempt by a major studio to monetize internet-born folklore. By adapting a viral meme into a feature film, A24 is targeting a demand for horror content rooted in digital subcultures [3, 5].
Directed by 20-year-old Kane Parsons [1], the movie adapts a short-film series and internet meme centered on an extra-dimensional maze of office-like rooms [3, 4]. The production features Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve in leading roles, with Mark Duplass also appearing in the cast [1, 2].
Industry veterans James Wan and Osgood Perkins served as producers for the project [1, 2]. The film arrives during a period of growing viability for creators transitioning from digital platforms to the big screen. Earlier this year, YouTuber Mark Fischbach saw success with the horror film “Iron Lung,” which grossed $50 million [3].
Parsons, who rose to prominence through the original web series, makes his feature debut with this production [3]. The story utilizes the concept of liminal spaces, environments that feel familiar yet unsettling, to create a sense of dread within its office-themed labyrinth [3, 4].
This release follows a trend of studios seeking intellectual property from unconventional digital sources to attract younger audiences. The “Backrooms” concept has maintained a strong following online, providing a pre-built audience for the theatrical launch [5].
“A24 is targeting a demand for horror content rooted in digital subcultures.”
The release of 'Backrooms' signals a shift in how studios source intellectual property, moving beyond traditional books and comics toward 'creepypasta' and viral internet lore. The commercial success of previous YouTuber-led projects like 'Iron Lung' suggests that digital-native directors can bring a built-in audience to theaters, potentially lowering the marketing risk for experimental horror concepts.
