Backrooms serves as an impressive first feature from Kane Parsons, a 20-year-old YouTuber who brings a viral internet story to theaters with a clear vision and steady hand. The film premiered at number one worldwide and became the first A24 release to surpass $100 million at the box office, which is a major milestone for both the filmmaker and the studio.
The story centers on a furniture shop owner, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, who finds an unusual portal in his San Jose store. This discovery introduces him to a maze of eerily empty rooms, drawing inspiration from popular online tales about unsettling spaces. When the shop owner goes missing, his therapist, portrayed by Renate Reinsve, enters the labyrinth in search of him.
Parsons’ direction stands out for its attention to atmosphere and pacing. From the opening scenes, the film creates a strong sense of unease. The endless rooms feel both strange and oddly familiar, and the visual effects are used thoughtfully rather than relying on spectacle. The film builds psychological tension in a way that feels patient and deliberate, which is especially notable for a director at the start of his career.
While the beginning of Backrooms excels at drawing viewers into its mysterious world, the final act shifts to a more direct approach and loses some of the subtlety that makes the earlier parts so effective. Still, the film benefits from strong performances by Ejiofor and Reinsve, who bring emotional depth to the story.