Kane Parsons’ Directorial Debut ‘Backrooms’ Makes Shock Debut With Insane Rotten Tomatoes Score

Kane Parsons’ feature film Backrooms has opened to strong early reactions, landing a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on initial critic reviews. The result marks a major debut moment for Parsons, who steps into feature filmmaking for the first time with this A24-backed horror project.

According to review aggregator data and early critical responses, the film currently sits at 92% on Rotten Tomatoes from a small group of early reviews. Metacritic also reports a score of 74 out of 100, based on 12 reviews, which indicates generally favorable reception. The film is still awaiting wider release, but the early reaction suggests a strong start for the young director.

Backrooms is directed by Kane Parsons and written by Will Soodik. It is based on Parsons’ viral YouTube series created under the channel Kane Pixels, which built a large online following by adapting the internet creepypasta known as “The Backrooms.” The feature film expands that idea into a full theatrical story and is produced by A24 alongside Chernin Entertainment, Atomic Monster, and 21 Laps Entertainment.

The film is scheduled for theatrical release on May 29, distributed by A24 in the United States. Production reportedly took place in Vancouver, Canada, with filming wrapped in August 2025. One of the most talked-about production details is the scale of the set design, with over 30,000 square feet of maze-like “Backrooms” environments built for the film. Crew members have even joked that the set was so large and confusing that people got lost inside it.

The story follows Clark, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, a furniture store owner and failed architect who mysteriously disappears after falling into an endless alternate dimension filled with empty office-like spaces. Renate Reinsve plays Dr. Mary Kline, his therapist, who becomes involved in the search for him. The cast also includes Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, Lukita Maxwell, Avan Jogia, Robert Bobroczkyi, and Krista Kosonen.

Early critical reactions highlight both praise and criticism. Some reviewers pointed to the film’s atmosphere, design, and ambition as major strengths. Courtney Howard of Fresh Fiction described it as “a brilliant, nightmarish vision that’s beautifully claustrophobic, pulse-pounding and freaky AF.” Others praised the scale of Parsons’ direction, noting that the film successfully expands his original internet concept into a cinematic experience.

However, not all reactions are fully positive. Some critics noted that the film struggles with narrative clarity. Laura Clifford of Reeling Reviews wrote that it “takes a great premise and fails to build a fully satisfying narrative around it.” Similarly, Edward Douglas of The Weekend Warrior commented that it is “often more confusing and confounding than actually scary.” These mixed responses suggest that while the film is visually and conceptually strong, its storytelling may divide audiences.

Despite the debate, many reviewers agree that Parsons shows strong potential as a filmmaker. Dan Bayer of Next Best Picture said, “The thrills of ‘Backrooms’ may be more intellectual, but getting lost in Parsons’s world is still entertaining. I will happily go wherever he wants to take us next.”

The film’s production team includes high-profile names such as James Wan, Shawn Levy, and Osgood Perkins, adding further weight to its horror credentials. Parsons himself also contributed to the score alongside Edo Van Breemen, continuing his hands-on involvement from his early YouTube work.

With a strong Rotten Tomatoes debut and growing curiosity ahead of its release, Backrooms is shaping up to be one of the more closely watched horror releases of 2026. Its early success suggests that Kane Parsons has made a notable transition from online creator to theatrical filmmaker, even as critics remain split on the film’s storytelling approach.

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