“Backrooms” Shatters A24’s Box Office Record with $38 Million Opening Weekend
The horror film Backrooms, directed by 20-year-old Kane Parsons, has made history as A24’s highest-grossing opening weekend in the studio’s 16-year history, raking in $38 million in the United States during its first three days, according to Variety. The 4chan-inspired thriller is projected to surpass $85 million by the end of its debut weekend, surpassing the previous record held by Civil War, which opened to $25.5 million in 2024.
From Meme to Blockbuster
Based on an internet meme originating from the 4chan image board, Backrooms depicts a surreal, windowless labyrinth that has long resonated with online communities. The film’s premise, which blends Gen Z anxieties with minimalist horror, has drawn comparisons to video game adaptations like Control and The Exit 8, yet stands out for its immersive, environment-driven storytelling. The Independent praised the film as “mesmeric and wildly unique,” noting its ability to “capture the collective Gen Z nightmare” through its eerie, retro-futuristic aesthetic.
Kane Parsons: A Young Visionary’s Breakthrough
Parsons, who gained attention for his homemade Backrooms videos as a teenager, was signed by A24 after the studio recognized his distinct vision. “I was very paranoid about choosing a studio,” Parsons told The Independent, crediting A24’s creative support for allowing him to retain “massive amounts of control.” His mentor, filmmaker Osgood Perkins (Longlegs), helped shape the project, which stars Oscar-nominated actors Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve.
Critical Reception and Cultural Impact
Critics have highlighted the film’s originality, even if it falls short of the “shock factor” of recent horror hits like Obsession (2023). Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent wrote that Backrooms “feels like watching the collective Gen Z nightmare come to life,” blending nostalgia for analog eras with digital-age dread. The film’s success signals a shift in horror storytelling, prioritizing atmosphere over jump scares and echoing the visual language of video games.
What’s Next for A24?
With Backrooms already surpassing A24’s previous milestones, the studio’s next moves will be closely watched. The film’s blend of internet culture, indie filmmaking, and mainstream appeal could pave the way for more unconventional projects. As Parsons puts it, “This might just define a generation.”
Key Takeaways
- Backrooms earned $38 million in its U.S. Debut, becoming A24’s highest-grossing opening weekend.
- The film’s success highlights a growing intersection between internet culture and mainstream cinema.
- Director Kane Parsons, 20, retained creative control under A24’s supportive framework.
- Critics praise its unique aesthetic but note it lacks the “shock factor” of other recent horror films.