Kane Parsons, a 20-year-old YouTuber known as Kane Pixels, makes his feature directorial debut with 'Backrooms,' a horror film based on a viral internet creepypasta. The movie, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve, follows a psychologist trapped in a liminal office-like dimension. Critics are divided, with some praising Parsons' visual style and others finding the film overwrought, but all noting the impressive achievement of a teenager helming a major release. The film hits theaters on May 29, symbolizing the rising influence of online creators in mainstream cinema.
Horror fans may be seeing the dawning of a new era for the genre, and it's one being led by online content creators. With movies like "Obsession" by digital creator Curry Barker and " Iron Lung " by Mark Fischbach (aka " Markiplier ") making waves at the box office, YouTubers and other online creators are proving they can leave their mark in theaters.
Now, 20-year-old YouTuber Kane Parsons (typically known as Kane Pixels) has critics agreeing on one thing about his debut film, "Backrooms.
" Though not every reviewer gives the film a glowing review, many are impressed with the directorial debut of Parsons, whose YouTube channel currently has 3.1 million subscribers. Though Rotten Tomatoes may not be calling it anytime soon, Parsons' contribution to the world of horror seems poised to receive a warm welcome from fans of the genre. Audiences will be able to judge the film for themselves starting May 29.
Based on an image posted on 4chan in 2011 that subsequently achieved internet meme status as it was re-shared by 4chan and Reddit users alike in 2019, the Backrooms are an uncanny world that feels like an office space on the surface, but is more like an endless, yellow purgatory. With a premise heavily based on the internet and a fresh face behind the camera, time will tell if "Backrooms" will become a...
Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, Mark Duplass, and others, "Backrooms" is based on an old "creepypasta" (essentially copy-and-pasted text spread virally across the internet). The film follows psychologist Dr. Mary Kline as she attempts to navigate a horrifying liminal space that doesn't adhere to the typical restraints of the physical world. Critic reviews have been slowly pouring in for the film, and so far, many seem to be impressed with Parsons' debut.
Critic Nikki Baughhan states that "Debut director Kane Parsons assuredly harnesses the creepy, mind-bending potential of this liminal concept, delivering an original horror that has both the scares and the smarts.
" Additionally, critic Gaius Bolling of... also complimented Parsons' directing, stating "Nothing about what Parsons does, from a technical standpoint, feels amateurish. He has a keen eye and a strong visual style that makes 'Backrooms' feel like something David Lynch would've dreamed up.
" Critic Jacob Oller states that "Backrooms" is a "suburban strip mall horror, which Parsons demystifies over the course of his overwrought directorial debut. " Nonetheless, considering Parsons was still a teenager during the production of the film, it's an impressive endeavor. While audiences have to wait a couple of days to form their own opinion, they can check out... The film represents a significant shift in horror filmmaking, as digital creators transition from online platforms to mainstream cinema.
Parsons, at just 20, embodies this new wave of talent that emerges from internet culture, leveraging viral concepts to create feature-length narratives. The Backrooms concept itself originated as a 4chan post, illustrating how internet folklore can evolve into a cinematic experience. The movie's cast includes established actors like Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve, which adds credibility and bridges the gap between indie web creators and professional Hollywood productions.
Critics have noted Parsons' technical proficiency and visual style, with some drawing comparisons to David Lynch, while others find the execution overwrought. This dichotomy in reviews highlights the challenges faced by first-time directors, especially those from unconventional backgrounds. The horror genre has always been a space for innovation, and the success of online creators like Markiplier and now Kane Parsons suggests a democratization of film production and distribution.
The release date of May 29 marks a moment where audience reception will finally determine whether this internet-born horror can stand the test of mainstream scrutiny. The film's premise-a psychologist trapped in a liminal, endless office space-plays on universal fears of the mundane and the unknown, a concept that resonates deeply in the digital age where the lines between reality and simulation blur.
As more YouTubers and content creators venture into film, the industry may see a new era where traditional gatekeeping gives way to talent nurtured in the online sphere. This could lead to more diverse storytelling and innovative techniques that challenge conventional horror tropes. For now, "Backrooms" stands as a bold entry from a young director who has already captured the attention of both fans and critics, setting the stage for what might be a transformative period for horror cinema
Kane Parsons Backrooms Horror Film Youtube Director Creepypasta Chiwetel Ejiofor Liminal Space Markiplier Iron Lung Curry Barker
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