A24's upcoming horror feature Backrooms is receiving significant early priase from critics. Directed by Kane Parsons, the film has achieved an 87% rating by translating internet-born lore into a cinematic experience.

The journey from 4Chan creepypasta to Kane Parsons' YouTube shorts

The Backrooms phenomenon represents a unique evolution of digital folklore. What began as an unsettling image of empty hallways on 4Chan eventually morphed into a massive internet mythos, spawning countless video games and short stories. According to the report, the most influential version of this story was Kane Parsons' 15-minute YouTube short, which utilized the concept of "liminal spaces" to create a sense of dread.

This transition from a viral creepypasta to a major studio producion marks a significant milestone for Parsons.. After years of building a dedicated following through YouTube, the director is now attempting to scale that eerie atmosphere for a feature-length audience. This move reflects a growing trend of studios looking toward internet-native creators to tap into established, highly engaged fanbases.

How the 87% critical score leverages liminal silence

The film's critical success is heavily tied to its atmospheric production design. As the source reports , many reviewers have highlighted the film's ability to find terror in "echoing silences" and enclosed, quiet environments. By focusing on the unsettling yellow glow and the emptiness of the setting, Parsons has managed to replicate the specific dread found in his original digital works.

This focus on "liminality"—the feeling of being in a transitional, empty space—is what distinguishes Backrooms from traditional jump-scare horror. The production design appears to be the cornerstone of the film's 87% rating, proving that the visual language of the original YouTube series can be successfully expanded into a larger cinematic canvas.

Renate Reinsve and Chiwetel Ejiofor add depth to the lore

While the setting provides the atmosphere, the human element is being driven by high-caliber acting.. The film features Oscar-nominated Renate Reinsve and Chiwetel Ejiofor, both of whom are receiving praise for their performances. Critics suggest that their presence provides much-needed substance to a concept that could otherwise feel too simplistic or abstract.

The involvement of such established actors helps ground the "hopeless aura" of the Backrooms. by providing emotional layers to the characters, Reinsve and Ejiofor ensure that the film is more than just a visual exercise in internet aesthetics, potentially making the horror feel more personal and visceral for the audience.

Will internet-native horror match the success of Curry Barker's Obsession?

Despite the glowing reviews, the film faces the challenge of proving its longevity in a competitive summer market. The report draws a comparison between Backrooms and Curry Barker's disturbing hit Obsession,suggesting that this film could be the next major horror success. However, it remains to be seen if the niche appeal of liminal space horror can translate into the broad commercial dominance required of a summer blockbuster.

Several questions remain regarding the film's reception among general audiences who may not be familiar with the 4Chan or YouTube origins of the story. Additionally, while critics have been enamored with the direction , it is still unverified how the film will perform in terms of box office numbers compared to other A24 horror releases.