‘Backrooms’ Director Kane Parsons Explains It All: Breaking Down Liminal Spaces, Why He Was Nervous His Work Might Get ‘Butchered by Suits’ and What Sequels Might Look Like

May 29, 2026 12:49pm PT ‘Backrooms’ Director Kane Parsons Explains It All: Breaking Down Liminal Spaces, Why He Was Nervous His Work Might Get ‘Butchered by Suits’ and What Sequels Might Look Like

By William Earl

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William Earl

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Courtesy Everett Collection

“Backrooms” is one of the most unique cinematic events of the year. The film, which opens in theaters Friday via A24, was directed by 20-year-old Kane Parsons, who previously developed the web series of the same name. Already tallying huge box office numbers from Thursday preview screenings, it is projected to be one of A24’s biggest hits ever.

The surreal plot involves Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a furniture store owner who finds a secret doorway that leads him to a seemingly endless series of nondescript rooms. Once he goes missing in them, his therapist, Dr. Mary Kline (Renate Reinsve), enters these Backrooms to find him, even as her reality starts bending.

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