A24 is poised to score another horror hit with Backrooms, the feature adaptation of the viral internet phenomenon. Directed by Kane Parsons, the film is tracking for a massive $40 million to $50 million opening weekend at the domestic box office, according to early projections. That would put it among the strongest debuts for the indie studio, which has built a reputation for turning genre fare into cultural events.
The film expands on the eerie, liminal-space lore that first captivated audiences online. Parsons, who rose to fame with his original YouTube short, brings his signature unsettling atmosphere to the big screen. Early buzz suggests the movie delivers on the creepy promise of its source material, with an 80% Rotten Tomatoes score signaling solid critical reception.
If the tracking holds, Backrooms will join the ranks of A24's biggest openers, alongside titles like Hereditary and Talk to Me. The studio has become a powerhouse in horror, often launching films that go on to earn multiples of their budgets. Given the film's modest production cost, a $40M+ opening would be a massive win.
The film's success also highlights the growing trend of internet-born horror making the leap to theaters. From Skinamarink to The Backrooms, audiences are hungry for the kind of dread that thrives in digital spaces. A24 has been especially adept at capturing that energy, and this release could further cement their dominance in the space.
For fans of the genre, Backrooms offers a fresh take on the found-footage and analog horror styles that have seen a resurgence. The film's marketing has leaned heavily on its viral roots, with cryptic teasers and immersive online campaigns that mirror the original creepypasta's appeal.
As the summer box office heats up, Backrooms is positioned as a breakout hit. With strong word-of-mouth and a built-in fanbase, it could exceed even these lofty projections. A24 is betting big on the film, and early indicators suggest that bet will pay off handsomely.
For those new to the phenomenon, Backrooms is a perfect entry point into modern horror. It's a film that understands the power of suggestion and the terror of empty spaces—a reminder that sometimes the scariest things are the ones we can't quite see.
