A24’s Backrooms (2026), directed by Kane Parsons (the YouTube creator behind the viral series), brings the internet’s unsettling liminal spaces to theaters. Released May 29, the film follows a therapist (Renate Reinsve) venturing into a bizarre dimension of endless yellow rooms and buzzing lights to rescue her missing patient (Chiwetel Ejiofor). Mark Duplass and others round out the cast.
Parsons expands the creepypasta concept — noclipping out of reality into monotonous, entity-haunted mazes — into a psychological horror thriller. It excels at building dread through atmosphere, isolation, and subtle terror rather than jump scares. Strong performances ground the surreal premise, though the divisive ending leaves some wanting more closure.
A low-budget triumph, it shattered records as A24’s biggest opening for an original horror film, proving internet-born lore can dominate cinemas. Parsons’ debut marks him as a major new talent in horror.
Sources:
PLANET MAGAZINE 