Liminal spaces and psychological horror, the Backrooms viral phenomenon arrives on the big screen

• The official “Backrooms” movie, inspired by the viral phenomenon born on 4chan, will hit theaters on May 29, 2026, under the A24 label.

• Kane Parsons, the 20 year old creator who revolutionized YouTube with his “found footage” videos, debuts as a director in this ambitious cinematic project.

• The film will feature performances by Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve, who will bring to life an unsettling plot about a therapist trapped in an impossible dimension.

What began in 2019 as a disturbing image on an internet forum has officially transformed into one of the most anticipated horror releases of the year. A24 has released the first trailer for Backrooms, a film that explores the concept of liminal spaces, those everyday, empty places that generate a sense of inexplicable discomfort. The plot follows a therapist who must cross the boundaries of our reality to rescue a missing patient, thus plunging into an infinite labyrinth of yellow hallways and fluorescent lights that seem to have no end.

The evolution of a digital myth

The “backrooms” phenomenon reached its peak popularity thanks to Kane Parsons, known online as Kane Pixels. Through his YouTube channel, Parsons expanded the original concept with a series of found footage style videos that captured the attention of millions of viewers and, eventually, major Hollywood studios. Consequently, the film seeks to terrify not only with what hides in the shadows but also with “nothingness” itself, using emptiness and impossible geometry as its primary tools for suspense.

A24 and the new era of horror

With the release scheduled for May 2026, Backrooms consolidates A24’s strategy of betting on fresh and disturbing visions. By hiring a 20 year old director to lead an established cast, the production company proves that talent born on digital platforms has a legitimate place in the traditional industry. This film promises to officialize one of the most intriguing urban legends of the modern era, turning seemingly harmless office corridors into the setting of a Lovecraftian nightmare that defies all logic.