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Backrooms Debuts as Liminal Horror Hit for A24

Striking practical sets with a built-in online fanbase have pushed early box-office forecasts toward profitability.

Overview

  • The film opened in theaters on May 29, 2026, and Thursday preview reports showed about $9 million in ticket sales, prompting higher weekend projections.
  • Critics praise the movie’s production design, lighting and sound for creating an unnerving ‘liminal’ atmosphere while many reviewers say the third act and narrative clarity are weaker.
  • Kane Parsons, the 20‑year‑old YouTuber who created the Backrooms series, directed the feature and kept the project in continuity with his online lore.
  • A24 distributed the film with established horror producers attached, and production built roughly 30,000 square feet of practical sets, extensive wallpaper and custom soundscapes to realize the Backrooms environment.
  • With a modest reported budget near $10 million and strong early receipts, the film is already seen as likely profitable and has triggered studio and fan speculation about sequels and an expanded franchise.