A24 has long been the gold standard for modern horror, delivering chilling masterpieces like Hereditary, The Witch, and The Lighthouse. Now, the indie powerhouse is back with Backrooms, a film that's already generating serious buzz—and an impressive 80% score on Rotten Tomatoes from 45 reviews. But does it live up to the hype?
Directed by YouTube creator Kane Parsons in his feature debut, Backrooms is based on a viral 4chan creepypasta that spawned a popular YouTube series. The story follows a therapist (Oscar nominee Renate Reinsve) who discovers a mysterious doorway in a furniture showroom while searching for her missing patient. She steps into a hellish, liminal world that feels like a nightmare made real. Chiwetel Ejiofor co-stars, bringing his trademark intensity to the eerie proceedings.
Early box office projections suggest Backrooms could earn upwards of $50 million in its opening weekend, which would shatter A24's previous record held by Civil War. That kind of success hinges on strong word-of-mouth, and critics are already singing its praises. In his review for Collider, Aidan Kelley called the film "near-flawless" and "one of the unique and intriguing horror properties of the decade." CBR hailed it as "an impressive debut for Parsons," while ScreenRant described it as "a quietly terrifying piece of liminal horror."
If you're a fan of sci-fi horror or tightly-paced terror, Backrooms is shaping up to be a must-see. The film's success also marks a major milestone for Parsons, who transitioned from YouTube fame to the big screen with A24's backing. In a recent interview, Parsons discussed his influences, including David Lynch and the lore behind the original creepypasta—a conversation that's worth reading for any horror enthusiast.
Of course, the real test will come from audiences. But with an 80% Rotten Tomatoes score and glowing reviews from top outlets, Backrooms is poised to be one of the year's most talked-about horror films. Whether you're drawn by the star power of Ejiofor and Reinsve, the creepy premise, or A24's track record, this is a movie that demands attention.
Backrooms is now playing in theaters. For more on the film, check out our exclusive look at Chiwetel Ejiofor facing pure terror in the movie.
