This weekend, A24 unleashes one of the year's most anticipated horror films: Backrooms, the feature-length adaptation of Kane Parsons' viral YouTube series. At just 20 years old, Parsons becomes A24's youngest director, translating the eerie, liminal creepypasta that captivated millions online into a full-blown cinematic experience. In a recent interview, Parsons, along with stars Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve, opened up about the challenges of expanding the Backrooms lore, the unexpected influence of David Lynch, and what it's like to step into a world where reality bends.
David Lynch's Unlikely Influence on a Young Director
Parsons admits he wasn't deeply familiar with David Lynch's work before making Backrooms, but the surrealist filmmaker's fingerprints are all over the project. "I haven't seen the majority of Lynch's work," Parsons confessed, citing a packed schedule. However, a trip to the theater with director Oz Perkins to see Eraserhead served as a "palate cleanser" before diving into the Backrooms. More personally, Parsons grew up surrounded by Lynchian aesthetics—his father, a Twin Peaks fan, decorated his home with red curtains and zigzag carpets, creating a dreamscape that Parsons absorbed by osmosis. "That explains so much," Reinsve laughed. Now, Parsons plans to binge Lynch's entire filmography once the press tour ends.
From YouTube Sensation to A24 Feature
The transition from a 2022 YouTube series to a major studio film wasn't without hurdles. Parsons was acutely aware of "lore bloat"—the danger of overwhelming audiences with exposition. "I tried to be really careful," he said. "I didn't want two hours of characters describing random plot points that barely mesh." Instead, he focused on building a consistent, logical world while leaving room for the actors to bring emotional depth. Reinsve plays a therapist who ventures into the Backrooms to rescue her patient, played by Ejiofor. "Kane was very specific about the universe but flexible with the characters," Reinsve noted. "They carry the emotional load."
The Human Side of Horror
Ejiofor and Reinsve discussed grounding the film's surreal terror in human emotion. "The Backrooms are terrifying, but it's the characters' reactions that make it real," Ejiofor said. The actors also praised Parsons' collaborative approach on technical aspects, from the unsettling sound design to the claustrophobic cinematography. When asked if they'd personally enter the Backrooms, both stars hesitated. "Maybe if I had a really good reason," Reinsve joked.
What's Next for the Backrooms Universe?
With the film hitting theaters, fans are already speculating about sequels. Parsons remained tight-lipped but hinted that the lore is deep enough to explore further. For now, he's focused on delivering a horror experience that honors the source material while standing on its own. As Ejiofor put it, "This is a film that makes you feel the dread, not just see it."
For more on the film, check out our exclusive first look at Chiwetel Ejiofor in 'Backrooms' and our deep dive into how indie horror can turn a profit.
