May has been an exciting month for horror fans. Following the hit film Obsession, A24’s new release Backrooms is set to hit theaters Friday, and early reviews are already in.
Both films are directed by young talents: 26-year-old Curry Barker directed Obsession, while 20-year-old Kane Parsons takes the reins for Backrooms. Recently, rumors swirled about Parsons’ role in the project, but actor Mark Duplass stepped up to defend him, saying on X, “When I was there, Kane was 100% in control.”
The cast of Backrooms includes notable names like Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve, with a script by Will Soodik. The film’s producers include horror heavyweights like James Wan and Osgood Perkins.
Backrooms follows therapist Dr. Mary Kline (Reinsve) as she ventures into an alternate dimension after her patient mysteriously disappears. The movie is inspired by Parsons’ popular YouTube series.
As of Wednesday, Backrooms boasts an impressive 87% on Rotten Tomatoes and is projected to earn between $45 million and $50 million during its opening weekend, which would be a record for A24.
Critics are sharing mixed thoughts. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Angie Han noted that while the film’s eeriness captures interest, it might start to feel random after a while, lacking a logical flow.
Nick Schager from The Daily Beast highlighted its unusual style, comparing it to David Lynch’s films. He praised Parsons for creating a unique atmosphere, focusing on psychological depth rather than traditional jump scares. However, he mentioned that it sometimes becomes bogged down by excessive details.
YouTube reviewer Jeremy Jahns enjoyed the film’s humor, saying, “This movie is actually shockingly funny.” He noted some pacing issues, feeling the final act didn’t quite fit. Yet, he appreciated its claustrophobic feel.
Meanwhile, Jake Coyle from the Associated Press remarked that the film’s backstory was more captivating than the final product. He felt the movie struggled to connect its horror elements with the protagonist’s mental journey.
Empire critic Jamie Graham described Backrooms as a surreal experience, akin to David Lynch’s work. With over 200 million views for the original web series, he cautioned that this film isn’t for everyone, favoring unsettling imagery over conventional scares. It has already sparked discussions and various interpretations among viewers.
This mix of youth energy in the horror genre might signal a shift in how stories are told in film today. As younger directors step up, they bring fresh perspectives that challenge traditional norms. Whether viewers are ready for such experimentation remains to be seen, but it adds an exciting dynamic to cinema.
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