Backrooms sets record with biggest debut for an original horror film

WASHINGTON: A24’s Backrooms opened to an estimated $81.5 million in North America, setting a new benchmark for an original horror film, according to US media reports published Sunday.

The film is adapted from a viral YouTube horror series created by Kane Parsons, who launched Backrooms as a teenager. Variety reported that the opening weekend total is the biggest ever for an original horror release and more than twice A24’s previous domestic opening record. The trade publication also said Parsons, 20, has become the youngest director to debut at number one with a feature film.

Backrooms stars Oscar nominees Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve. The story centres on a furniture store owner, played by Ejiofor, who uncovers a strange maze-like complex beneath his shop. After he disappears, his therapist, played by Reinsve, enters the mysterious space in an effort to locate him.

The original online series began in 2022 and became part of the broader creepypasta trend, in which short horror stories are shared and altered across the internet, with users expanding the lore through additions such as monsters and hidden dimensions.

Other films in the weekend rankings

In second place was Focus Features’ horror title Obsession, which earned another $26.4 million domestically, according to Exhibitor Relations. The film, directed by 26-year-old Curry Baker, has continued to build momentum over three weeks in theatres, helped by strong reviews from critics and audiences. Its worldwide earnings are now estimated at nearly $150 million against a budget of under $1 million.

Inde Navarrette has drawn particular praise for her performance as a young woman who becomes intensely attached to a man, played by Michael Johnston, after he uses a magical wish to gain her affection.

Disney’s Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu placed third after falling nearly 70% in its second weekend, with domestic takings of $25 million. The release marks a move from streaming to cinemas for the popular series and is the first Star Wars film to reach theatres since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker.

Lionsgate’s Michael remained in the top five for a sixth weekend, adding $11.7 million. According to Exhibitor Relations, the Antoine Fuqua-directed biopic, featuring Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, has now made $340 million in North America and more than $845 million worldwide.

Fifth place went to Sony comedy The Breadwinner, which opened with $7.5 million. Comedian Nate Bergatze stars as a father left to look after the children while his wife is away on a business trip.

The rest of the top 10 included The Devil Wears Prada 2 with $5.9 million, Pressure with $5.8 million, The Sheep Detective with $4.6 million, Passenger with $2.6 million, and Mortal Kombat II with $2 million.