Backrooms: the horror film phenomenon that could explode in summer 2026
Exciting new trailer and historic showings for studio A24 at the box office!
After the cardboardFainted (Weapons) by Zack Cregger in the middle of summer 2025 (nearly $300 million at the global box office and even an Oscar for Amy Madigan), a new horrific phenomenon seems to be preparing for this summer 2026. It’s called Backrooms.
The anxiety film produced by A24 is already creating a huge buzz a few days before its release, to the point that the first American screenings announce unexpected… even historic performances.
Directed by the very young Kane Parsons (20 years old, known under the nickname Kane Pixels on YouTube), Backrooms should totally bring down the juggernaut Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu to take control of the US box office, after its first weekend of operation. The highest estimates suggest revenues between $45 and $55 million for its start-up in North America. A figure that would make Kane Parsons the youngest director in history to reach such a level at the box office, surpassing the record held by Josh Trank, who was 27 years old when the film was released. Chronicle in 2012.
In the process, Backrooms could also sign the best start in history for A24 on the American market, and ultimately become their biggest worldwide success, exceeding 191 million dollars from Marty Supreme.
Obviously, these are still only screenings… but the enthusiasm is already very real, amplified by a new trailer recently unveiled (see below), featuring the Scandinavian star Renate Reinsve, who has just returned from Cannes where she won the Palme d’Or with Fjord !
Inspired by a creepypasta worship, Backrooms plunges into a world of yellow corridors, empty and disturbing, between offices and liminal spaces. The film follows Clark (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor), owner of a furniture store, who tells his therapist Dr. Mary Kline (played by Renate Reinsve) about his discovery of a disturbing dimension… before disappearing there too.
The first critical feedback already suggests one of the most striking horror offerings of the year. Backrooms already has 84% positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, which should boost the film’s performance in theaters. The buzz is on.
In France, the film will be released on June 17.
