If you’ve been on the internet lately, you’ve probably heard whispers about The Backrooms, A24’s upcoming horror film that’s already generating massive buzz among Gen Z. Based on a viral creepypasta from 2019, this sci-fi horror project is poised to become a cultural phenomenon in 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about The Backrooms, why it’s capturing Gen Z’s imagination, and what makes it a must-watch.
What Is The Backrooms?
The Backrooms originated as an internet urban legend on 4chan in 2019, sparked by a grainy photo of an empty, windowless office space with yellow walls and fluorescent lights. The creepypasta describes an endless, labyrinthine dimension of monotonous rooms that people can accidentally “clip” into, trapped in a liminal space that feels eerily familiar yet deeply unsettling. Think abandoned malls, empty offices, or long hotel corridors—spaces that seem to exist outside reality.
In 2022, 17-year-old Kane Parsons (known as Kane Pixels on YouTube) turned this concept into a viral found-footage horror series called The Backrooms (Found Footage). His first short racked up over 66 million views, and the series has since amassed nearly 190 million views across 22 videos. Parsons’ lo-fi, analog-horror style, complete with retro visuals and slow-burn tension, struck a chord with online audiences, especially Gen Z, who are drawn to the eerie nostalgia of liminal spaces.
Now, A24 is bringing Parsons’ vision to the big screen, with the young filmmaker directing the feature film at just 19 years old—making him the youngest director in the studio’s history.
Why Is Gen Z Obsessed?
The Backrooms resonates with Gen Z for several reasons:
- Nostalgia for Liminal Spaces: Gen Z grew up in the era of abandoned malls, empty schools, and office buildings that feel frozen in time. The Backrooms’ unsettling yet familiar aesthetic taps into this collective memory, evoking a mix of nostalgia and dread.
- Internet Culture Roots: Born from a 4chan post and amplified by Parsons’ YouTube series, The Backrooms is a product of internet folklore. Gen Z, a generation immersed in memes, creepypastas, and viral content, feels a personal connection to this grassroots phenomenon. Social media posts on X highlight this excitement, with users calling it a “cultural phenomenon” and praising the choice of a Gen Z director.
- Analog Horror Appeal: The grainy, VHS-like style of Parsons’ videos aligns with the analog horror trend popularized by projects like The Mandela Catalogue. This retro aesthetic feels authentic to Gen Z, who crave raw, unpolished storytelling over glossy Hollywood productions.
- A24’s Track Record: A24 is a Gen Z favorite, known for bold, auteur-driven horror films like Hereditary, Midsommar, and Talk to Me. Fans trust A24 to deliver a fresh take on The Backrooms that respects its internet origins while elevating it to cinematic art.
What We Know About the A24 Film
A24 officially greenlit The Backrooms in 2023, with production set to begin in summer 2025. Here are the key details:
- Director: Kane Parsons, the 19-year-old creator of the YouTube series, is directing. His involvement ensures the film stays true to the original’s unsettling tone.
- Cast: The film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave) and Renate Reinsve (The Worst Person in the World). While plot details are under wraps, their casting suggests a mix of emotional depth and intensity. Earlier reports mentioned Cristin Milioti as a potential lead, but Reinsve has since been confirmed.
- Production Team: Horror heavyweight James Wan (The Conjuring, M3GAN) is producing through his company, Atomic Monster, alongside Chernin Entertainment and 21 Laps Entertainment (Stranger Things). The screenplay is written by Roberto Patino (Westworld), promising a blend of sci-fi and psychological horror.
- Style and Tone: The film will combine found-footage elements with scripted drama, retaining Parsons’ analog-horror aesthetic. Expect grainy visuals, slow-burn suspense, and a focus on liminal spaces that feel both real and otherworldly.
- Release Date: No official release date has been announced, but with production starting in summer 2025, a late 2025 or early 2026 premiere is likely.
Why It Could Be a Game-Changer
The Backrooms stands out for its unique origin story and cultural relevance. Unlike traditional horror films, it’s a direct adaptation of internet-born IP, signaling Hollywood’s growing interest in digital storytelling. A24’s decision to back a 19-year-old director also reflects a shift toward empowering young, diverse voices—an approach that resonates with Gen Z audiences.
The film’s blend of found-footage and narrative storytelling could redefine horror for a new generation, much like The Blair Witch Project did in 1999. With A24’s knack for turning niche concepts into mainstream hits and Parsons’ proven ability to captivate millions, The Backrooms has the potential to be both a critical darling and a box-office success.
Final Thoughts
The Backrooms is more than just a horror film—it’s a cultural milestone that captures Gen Z’s fascination with liminal spaces, internet lore, and analog horror. With A24’s visionary approach, Kane Parsons’ raw talent, and a stellar cast, this film is set to haunt audiences in 2025. Whether you’re a creepypasta fan or new to the concept, The Backrooms promises a chilling journey into the unknown.
Stay tuned for updates on the release date and trailer, and let us know in the comments: Are you excited for A24’s The Backrooms? What do you hope to see in the film?
