A24 releases ‘Backrooms’ horror film starring Chiwetel Ejiofor

A24’s new horror movie "Backrooms"—directed by Kane Parsons and starring Chiwetel Ejiofor as Clark and Renate Reinsve as Mary—translates the internet creepypasta of endless fluorescent‑lit corridors into a feature‑length film. The story follows an architect who discovers a hidden entry to a vast, maze‑like dimension of empty rooms and unsettling creatures, exploring themes of memory, trauma and existential dread. Reviewers note the film’s avoidance of cheap jump scares, instead building tension through its uncanny visual style and psychological atmosphere. The movie opened to strong box‑office performance, grossing about $118 million in its debut weekend.

The production, financed by A24, draws on the viral online myth that originated on forums such as 4chan in 2019, turning a simple photograph of a bland commercial space into a sprawling horror concept. Critics highlight Parsons’ confident direction and the film’s blend of found‑footage aesthetics with traditional storytelling, positioning "Backrooms" as a notable entry in contemporary horror cinema.