Kane Parsons has made history as the youngest film-maker to open a film at number one at the North American box office with his directorial debut, Backrooms. At just 20 years old, Parsons is seven years younger than the previous record holder, Josh Trank, who was 27 when his debut Chronicle opened with $22 million in 2011.
Record-Breaking Opening Weekend
Backrooms stunned industry observers by earning $81 million in its first weekend in North America, setting a new record for its studio, A24. The film, described by the Guardian's chief critic Peter Bradshaw as "an icily brilliant and genuinely disturbing conceptual horror film," is based on Parsons' YouTube series of the same name, which was inspired by the "creepypasta" genre—a fictional space of infinite, interconnected rooms.
Addressing Rumors About Parsons' Role
Parsons' young age has sparked online rumors that he did not actually direct the film. Actor Mark Duplass, who worked on the film, responded to the claims: "Hmmm, with all due respect I don't remember seeing you on set. When I was there, Kane was 100% in control. More so than many directors 3x his age." Parsons himself addressed the rumors with humor, stating: "This is actually all true. They don't tell you this, but 96% of all movies released in North America and Europe are actually directed by the same person. They call him 'The Older Gentleman'. He has had all of Hollywood in a chokehold for decades now."
Box Office Success Follows Low-Budget Horror Trend
Backrooms' box office success follows that of another low-budget horror film, Obsession, directed by Curry Barker. Barker, at 26, is six years older than Parsons. His film was released on 15 May with a $17.1 million opening weekend in North America and has now earned $104.7 million after four weeks.
Kane Parsons attended the Backrooms screening at Vue West End on 19 May in London, as captured in a photograph by Dave Benett/Alan Chapman/Getty Images for A24 Films.
