Kane Parsons’ viral liminal horror phenomenon Backrooms has completed its transition from YouTube short films to a streaming hit on HBO Max following its theatrical run with A24. Released when Parsons was just 20 years old, the feature film expands on the internet creepypasta lore of impossible, empty office spaces that evoke a profound sense of the uncanny and the horror of the mundane.
Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve Anchor the Liminal Space Thriller
In the 110-minute feature, Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Clark, the flawed and bitter owner of a furniture store who stumbles upon a hidden portal leading directly into the backrooms. Ejiofor portrays Clark as a violent and resentful man alienated from his ex-wife, making him a prime target for the dangerous environments within the labyrinth. When Clark goes missing, his therapist Mary—played by Renate Reinsve—investigates the furniture store and similarly slips into the surreal dimension. Director Parsons and his production team built massive physical sets supplemented by 3D software Blender to construct the eerie, unending corridors without relying on artificial intelligence or inflated budgets.
Streaming Success Follows A24 Theatrical Run
The transition to HBO Max brings the liminal horror hit to a broader home audience after resonating with critics and moviegoers during its A24 release. The project stands out in contemporary horror distribution for scaling up a grassroots internet myth created by a young filmmaker into a fully realized cinematic release. Through tight pacing and sustained dread, the production establishes a distinct visual language defined by empty architectural spaces and psychological tension.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Backrooms Movie
Who directed the Backrooms movie?
Kane Parsons directed the feature film for A24 after previously building a following with several Backrooms short films published on YouTube.
Who stars in the Backrooms film?
The film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as furniture store owner Clark and Renate Reinsve as his therapist, Mary.
Where can you watch Backrooms?
Following its theatrical release by A24, Backrooms is available to stream on HBO Max.
Related reading