At just 20 years old, Kane Parsons has become the youngest director to helm a film for A24. His feature debut, Backrooms, an analog-horror sci-fi movie shot in Vancouver, is generating significant buzz. Based on his viral YouTube series Backrooms (Found Footage), the film is expected to far exceed its $10-million budget at the box office.
From Creepypasta to Cinema
The origin of Backrooms dates back to 2019, when Parsons, then based in Petaluma, California, encountered a screenshot from a 4chan creepypasta. Using free 3D-animation software, he created The Backrooms (Found Footage) series, which has amassed nearly 80 million views. The concept taps into foggy childhood memories, described by Parsons as "a fragment" of isolated recollections.
A Cautious Approach to Hollywood
After his YouTube success, Hollywood came calling. Parsons received numerous offers but approached them cautiously. "I really was just approaching that with extreme caution, because I loved this project," he said. "I had grown up seeing suits come in and take a chainsaw to so many IPs." He resolved to protect his creation, fearing that giving away rights could leave him with nothing.
The Film's Plot
Set in 1990, Backrooms follows Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a frustrated furniture store owner spiraling after separating from his wife. While living in his store, he discovers a portal in the basement leading to a vast, creepy space filled with yellow wallpaper and buzzing fluorescent lights. When Clark goes missing, his therapist (Renate Reinsve) must enter the surreal space to retrieve him.
Vancouver Production
A24 paired Parsons with Vancouver producer Chris Ferguson of Phobos, a production company co-founded with horror filmmaker Osgood Perkins. Ferguson praised Parsons as "wildly intelligent and thoughtful," noting that despite his youth, Parsons displayed more sophistication than many veteran directors. The Vancouver crew, described by Parsons as "a well-oiled machine," was instrumental in bringing the film to life. Parsons now calls Vancouver home after shooting the film there last summer.
In theatres May 29, Backrooms is poised to be a breakout hit, cementing Parsons as a rising talent in horror and sci-fi cinema.
