A24's latest horror film, 'Backrooms,' has shattered the studio's box office record after just one day, earning an estimated $38 million in the United States on Friday. The film is projected to gross between $85 million and $90 million over its opening weekend, according to Variety.
Surpassing Previous Records
The 4chan-inspired movie, directed by 20-year-old Kane Parsons, has already eclipsed A24's previous record holder, 'Civil War,' which opened to $25.5 million in 2024. Last year's 'Marty Supreme' debuted with $17.5 million over its first three-day weekend but later became the studio's highest-grossing film globally, earning approximately $191 million.
Star-Studded Cast and Concept
'Backrooms' stars Oscar-nominated actors Renate Reinsve and Chiwetel Ejiofor. The film's name derives from an internet meme originating on the image board 4chan in the late 2010s, depicting an eerie, windowless room. Kane Parsons, a former teenage sci-fi enthusiast, initially created homemade videos set in the 'Backrooms' before A24 tapped him to direct the feature adaptation.
Parsons told The Independent that he was initially cautious about selecting a studio, stating he was 'very paranoid' before agreeing to work with A24. He credited his positive experience to 'the specific people I worked with,' including mentor Osgood Perkins, director of 'Longlegs,' who helped him retain significant creative control.
Critical Acclaim
The film has garnered widespread praise from critics. Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent awarded it a four-star review, describing it as 'mesmeric and wildly unique.' She noted that while it may lack the shock factor of recent horror hits like 'Obsession,' it captures a 'collective Gen Z nightmare' with its minimalist, environment-driven storytelling. Loughrey highlighted how the film draws from video game aesthetics, such as those in 'Control' and 'Lethal Company,' making it a defining work for a generation.
'Backrooms' is now poised to become one of A24's most successful releases, with its opening weekend performance setting a new benchmark for the studio.
