A24’s latest release, “Backrooms,” has sparked considerable excitement and debate following its creation by the remarkably young filmmaker Kane Parsons. At just 20 years old, Parsons has made history as A24’s youngest director, having successfully transitioned from his viral YouTube series of the same name into a full-length feature film.
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Originally launched on his YouTube channel, @kanepixels, in 2015, Parsons amassed a following of 3.1 million subscribers and garnered an impressive 342 million views on his videos. It was in 2023 that the news broke about Parsons adapting his found-footage horror series into a feature film, making waves as a member of a new generation of horror creators emerging from online platforms. Amidst a wave of scepticism regarding his directorial role, acclaimed actor and producer Mark Duplass stepped in to defend Parsons on social media.
The film, set to hit theatres on 29 May, stars a talented cast including Renate Reinsve and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Its plot revolves around the mysterious appearance of a doorway within a furniture showroom’s basement, a premise that perfectly encapsulates the eerie surrealism characteristic of the horror genre. Despite Parsons’ relative youth, he directed the film, which has been produced by a powerhouse team that includes well-known figures such as Shawn Levy and James Wan.
The young director’s age has attracted questions online about whether he was indeed at the helm throughout the production process. In response to a comment insinuating that the studio executives would likely not allow someone so young to take full control, Duplass defended Parsons, asserting he witnessed the director’s command over the set firsthand. “When I was there, Kane was 100% in control. More so than many directors three times his age,” he stated on X (formerly Twitter).
While some commentators admitted to their admiration for Parsons’s skill, they remained sceptical of the extent of his involvement, pointing out that studio cultures often stifle the potential of inexperienced directors. In his exchange with users, Duplass highlighted the significance of distinguishing between concerns of talent and unfounded accusations regarding Parsons’s direction.
In a recent interview with Deadline, Parsons reflected on his unexpected journey toward feature filmmaking, stating, “I’m only really here for the work that I do, and I am kind of oblivious to some of what goes outside of that, by choice.” He expressed how his experience making videos on YouTube had felt synonymous with creating “Backrooms,” describing the evolution of a “very long video” into a collaborative film process.
The film’s trailer provides glimpses of an unsettling narrative, featuring Ejiofor as he navigates a labyrinthine yellow room, seemingly void of an end. His character encounters a crisis, prompting Reinsve’s role as a therapist to aid in the search for him. The eerie atmosphere and intrigue captured in the trailer signify a potent blend of suspense and foreboding.
As anticipation builds for the film’s release, “Backrooms” stands as a testament to a new generation of filmmakers redefining the horror genre, significantly influenced by their roots in digital content creation. With Parsons at the forefront, he joins fellow directors like Curry Barker, 26, and the twin duo of Danny and Michael Philippou, known for their recent successes in the horror realm.
“Backrooms” represents not only an exploration of dark themes but also a pivotal moment in cinema, marking a shift towards younger voices in filmmaking. With the film premiering shortly, all eyes will be on Parsons as he navigates this next chapter in his burgeoning career. As viewers prepare for the experience, the film is poised to challenge traditional narratives, making way for fresh perspectives in horror storytelling.