Kane Parsons has become the youngest film-maker to open a film at number one at the North American box office with his directing debut, Backrooms. The 20-year-old director surpassed the previous record held by Josh Trank, who was 27 when his debut Chronicle opened with $22m in 2011. Backrooms stunned industry observers by earning $81m in its first weekend in North America, also setting a record for its studio, A24.
Backrooms: A Horror Phenomenon
Described by the Guardian’s chief critic Peter Bradshaw as “an icily brilliant and genuinely disturbing conceptual horror film,” Backrooms is based on Parsons’ YouTube series of the same name. The series draws inspiration from the “creepypasta” genre, depicting a fictional space of infinite, interconnected rooms. The film’s success follows a trend of low-budget horror hits, including Obsession, directed by Curry Barker, which opened with $17.1m and has since grossed $104.7m after four weeks.
Addressing Online Rumors
Parsons’ age has sparked online speculation that he did not actually direct the film. Actor Mark Duplass responded to these claims, stating, “Hmmm, with all due respect I don’t remember seeing you on set. When I was there, Kane was 100% in control. More so than many directors 3x his age.” Parsons himself addressed the rumors with humor, saying, “This is actually all true. They don’t tell you this, but 96% of all movies released in North America and Europe are actually directed by the same person. They call him ‘The Older Gentleman’. He has had all of Hollywood in a chokehold for decades now.”
Backrooms’ box office performance has solidified Parsons as a rising talent in the film industry, with industry experts noting the film’s impact on the horror genre and its potential for future success.
