A fresh wave of talent is revitalizing the horror film genre, with young creators at the forefront of this exciting transformation. The recent buzz in cinematic circles has centered around two notable releases: 'Obsession' and 'Backrooms'. Curry Barker, aged 26, launched 'Obsession' on May 15th, capturing significant attention. Shortly after, 'Backrooms' premiered, quickly making history at the box office by grossing an impressive $97.7 million domestically. This achievement positions it as A24's most successful film in North America to date.
The remarkable success of 'Backrooms' is even more astonishing given that its director, Kane Parsons, is merely 20 years old. This psychological found-footage horror film, a collaborative effort between A24, Chernin Entertainment, Atomic Monster, Blumhouse, and 21 Laps, follows the character Mary, portrayed by Renate Reinsve, as she navigates an alternate dimension following the disappearance of her patient, Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor). This project marks Parsons' first venture into feature film directing, earning him commendation from esteemed horror producers like Jason Blum and James Wan, who have praised the genre for its pivotal role in sustaining the film industry.
Parsons, who was born on June 18, 2005, in Petaluma, California, honed his video production skills from a young age through self-instruction. He furthered his education in film at the Marin School of the Arts. In 2015, he started his YouTube channel, Kane Pixels, where he initially shared Minecraft videos and internet memes, while simultaneously expanding his expertise in software such as the 3D animation program Blender. His early experiences on YouTube played a crucial role in his development as a filmmaker, as he gained proficiency in visual effects and digital content creation.
His teenage years presented unique challenges; at 13, Parsons was diagnosed with arthritis, which at times severely impacted his mobility. This personal struggle profoundly influenced his artistic path, leading him to construct elaborate 3D environments as a means of immersion and creative expression. This period of his life underscored his dedication to filmmaking, pushing him to explore new dimensions of storytelling and visual artistry. The virtual worlds he created offered a refuge and a platform for his burgeoning talent.
The concept for 'Backrooms' originated from a viral internet urban legend, sparked by an enigmatic online image that permeated creepypasta culture. Parsons adapted this phenomenon into a found-footage series, releasing 'The Backrooms (Found Footage)' on YouTube in 2022. The series quickly gained immense popularity, garnering millions of views and attracting the attention of various studios interested in transforming it into a feature film, all while Parsons was still attending high school. His YouTube success laid the groundwork for his cinematic career, demonstrating his ability to tap into contemporary cultural narratives.
As he considered college applications, Parsons began receiving offers to develop 'Backrooms' into a movie. The escalating interest culminated in an offer from A24, prompting him to defer his university plans to dedicate himself fully to the film. Despite the inherent risks and uncertainties of the film industry, Parsons embraced the opportunity with caution and determination. This decision marked a pivotal moment in his career, as he chose to pursue his filmmaking dreams over traditional academic paths, confident in the potential of his viral creation.
Critics have largely responded positively to 'Backrooms', which features performances by Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, Finn Bennett, and Lukita Maxwell. With a screenplay co-written by Will Soodikan, and James Wan and Osgood Perkins among its producers, the film achieved an impressive 89 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While praised for its eerie atmosphere, some critics, such as Angie Han of The Hollywood Reporter, noted that the film's reliance on unexplained oddities eventually diminished its fright factor, suggesting a lack of cohesive internal logic. Despite this, the film's overall reception highlights its impactful contribution to the horror genre.
Following the film's release, online skepticism regarding Parsons' directorial role arose due to his young age. However, actor Mark Duplass, a cast member in 'Backrooms', quickly came to Parsons' defense, asserting his full control and leadership on set. Duplass stated that Parsons demonstrated more command than many directors significantly older than him, effectively dispelling rumors and affirming Parsons' capability as a director. This public support reinforced Parsons' credibility and talent in the face of unfounded criticism.
In addition to directing, Parsons also played a crucial role in composing the film's score alongside Edo Van Breemen. This multifaceted involvement led to an intensely demanding production schedule, with Parsons reportedly working 21-hour days to perfect his feature film. He candidly admitted to the New York Times that he pushed his limits, "abusing his nervous system to the fullest degree," in his relentless pursuit of cinematic excellence. His commitment to every aspect of the film underscored his dedication and passion for the project.
Parsons has achieved several significant milestones, including becoming A24's youngest director and the youngest filmmaker to have a number one film at the worldwide box office. Within just one week, 'Backrooms' surpassed $100 million on a modest $10 million budget, making Parsons the youngest director to top the domestic box office. The film also became A24’s highest-grossing film in North America, surpassing Josh Safdie's 'Marty Supreme'. These accomplishments highlight Parsons' extraordinary talent and immediate impact on the industry.
Despite recent reports suggesting Parsons was seeking a writer for a 'Backrooms' sequel, the filmmaker clarified on 'The Town with Matthew Belloni' podcast that these discussions were speculative. He stated there was no meaningful movement on a sequel, though he remains open to continuing the project. The future of 'Backrooms' remains uncertain, but given its exceptional box office performance, the prospect of a sequel appears promising. The decision now rests on Parsons' future creative direction.
In an evolving Hollywood landscape increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence, Parsons has expressed a strong stance against AI's role in filmmaking. He views art as a fundamental means of processing life and questions the value of outsourcing any creative elements to AI. Parsons shared his perspective on 'CBS Mornings', explaining that the presence of generative AI in a project diminishes his engagement and curiosity, as it implies arbitrary creative choices rather than human intentionality. His firm opposition reflects a commitment to authentic artistic expression.
Curry Barker, director of 'Obsession', also began his career on YouTube, creating short films with collaborator Cooper Tomlinson. His feature film, produced with a budget of $750,000, was acquired by Focus Features for approximately $15 million, achieving box office success with over $111 million in its third week. The transition of YouTube creators to successful filmmakers, exemplified by Parsons and Barker, signifies a new trend in the industry. Esteemed figures like Jason Blum recognize this shift, noting that these young creatives are producing edgy and unconventional films that resonate deeply with younger audiences. These films offer a unique cinematic experience, drawing young people away from digital devices and into theaters, reminiscent of the experimental spirit of 1970s cinema.
