Produced by A24, Backrooms is a horror film that blends science fiction, directed by Kane Parsons and written by Roberto Patino. Known online as “Kane Pixels,” the filmmaker gained fame by popularizing the creepypasta The Backrooms through a viral web series on YouTube. Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, and Mark Duplass, the movie is scheduled to hit theaters on June 17, 2026.
The story follows a young filmmaker who, during a shoot, unexpectedly stumbles into a parallel dimension filled with empty, neon-lit rooms connected by an endless maze of corridors. This labyrinthine world, both mundane and unsettling, appears to operate under altered physical laws and is inhabited by elusive, unknown presences.
Throughout his journey, the protagonist realizes that this space is not just a vague, abstract setting but a territory with shifting borders, where time and perception begin to crumble. Without giving away major plot points, the story explores sensory disorientation and a lingering sense of menace, drawing inspiration from the liminal space narratives that have fueled the mythos of the Backrooms on the Internet.
Initially a viral phenomenon born from online forums, the concept of the “Backrooms” revolves around the idea of an accidental slip out of reality into an endless bureaucratic void—filled with faded yellow carpets and buzzing electrical hums. Kane Parsons brought this unsettling universe to life with a found footage adaptation on YouTube, whose minimalist aesthetic and tense atmosphere captured millions of viewers’ attention. Turning the concept into a feature film marks a significant step in bringing this digital myth into mainstream genre cinema.
Produced by A24, the project continues a recent trend in independent horror that emphasizes mood and experimental storytelling. The cast features Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave) and Renate Reinsve (Julie (in 12 Chapters)), hinting at a focus on character-driven drama and psychological exploration. Mark Duplass also joins the lineup, rounding out the ensemble.
Straddling the line between paranoia-driven science fiction and existential horror, Backrooms delves into today's fear of anonymous, dehumanized spaces. Its roots in an Internet-born urban legend reflect how horror narratives are evolving, now shaped as much by digital culture as by traditional filmmaking traditions.
Backrooms
Film | 2026
Release in theaters: June 17, 2026
Horror, sci-fi | Duration: TBA
Directed by Kane Parsons | Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, Mark Duplass
Original Title: Backrooms
Country: United States
By bringing a legendary creepypasta to the big screen, Backrooms exemplifies the growing trend of stories moving seamlessly between digital platforms and cinema. Blending striking visuals with metaphysical dread, the film is shaping up to be one of the standout horror offerings of summer 2026.
Want to extend your movie theater experience? Check out the June movie releases, the must-see films of the moment, and our top horror picks of the year.
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