First Plot Details for Kane Parsons' The Backrooms Feature Film Adaptation

With "The Backrooms," A24 and director Kane Parsons bring one of the most eerie internet phenomena of recent years to the big screen. According to a shot magazine, the first plot details and a possible release date have now been revealed.

The film centers on a psychologist who is confronted with a harrowing and seemingly impossible case: one of her patients disappears without a trace – not as a result of a crime or accident, but, it seems, into a mysterious alternate dimension.

The lead role will be played by Renate Reinsve, known for "The Worst Person in the World" and most recently "Sentimental Value." She will be joined by "12 Years a Slave" actor Chiwetel Ejiofor. The film could be released in July of this year. However, it should be emphasized that these are rumors so far. Official information is still pending. The horror film is directed by 20-year-old Kane Parsons, who began uploading a video series titled "Backrooms" to his YouTube channel in 2022.

"The Backrooms" is an internet myth from the realm of creepypasta. It involves a seemingly endless sequence of labyrinthine office rooms with yellow walls and constantly buzzing neon lights. You are supposed to enter this world by crossing over from reality through a glitch or "glitching out." Each of these levels has its own characteristics and special features. In some areas, you also encounter so-called entities, i.e., beings or creatures that can be dangerous in different ways.

From internet myths to movies: Creepypastas on the big screen

Creepypastas are modern horror stories that spread primarily via the internet. The term is a combination of "creepy" and "copypasta" and refers to eerie texts that are copied and shared in forums, social networks, or on special platforms. Since the early 2000s, creepypastas have become an integral part of digital pop culture. Many of these stories are continued, expanded upon, or adapted into audio plays and videos by users. Some particularly successful stories eventually found their way to Hollywood.

Slender Man: From forum post to horror movie

One of the best-known examples is the "Slender Man". The character was created in 2009 as part of a competition in an internet forum, in which edited photos with an eerie effect were to be created. The result was a large, faceless figure in a suit standing among children. Numerous stories quickly developed around this character. The YouTube series "Marble Hornets" in particular helped to spread the myth further.

In 2018, the movie "Slender Man" was released, bringing the internet legend to the big screen. Although the film received mixed reviews, it clearly shows how strongly digital myths have now entered the mainstream. The character, which originally emerged from an anonymous online post, became a globally known horror icon.

The Bye Bye Man: The dangerous utterance of a name

Another example of a creepypasta that has been made into a film is "The Bye Bye Man." The story revolves around a supernatural being that appears as soon as you think or say its name. This motif ties in with classic horror themes in which forbidden knowledge or certain words bring danger.

In 2017, the story was adapted into a film titled "The Bye Bye Man." As with many adaptations, the challenge was to expand an originally short internet story into a feature-length plot. The film shows how studios attempt to develop a larger narrative from a simple but effective concept.

The Backrooms: From image to film project

"The Backrooms" is also one of the best-known internet horror phenomena. It started with a single image of empty, yellow-lit office rooms, which was published with a short, eerie description. This developed into an extensive universe with different levels and creatures. The topic gained enormous popularity, particularly through YouTube videos in found footage style. An official film adaptation is now in the works. This example shows that not only classic text stories, but also images and short video clips can form the basis for film projects.

Other characters and fan films

In addition to big studio films, there are numerous independent productions. Characters such as "Jeff the Killer," a disfigured boy with an eerie smile, or "Smile Dog" have achieved cult status and have been featured in several short films or low-budget projects. Even if these productions do not always receive major theatrical releases, they demonstrate the creative power of the online community.Many of these stories thrive on their simplicity and the active participation of fans. It is precisely this openness that makes them attractive for creative further development, but also difficult for professional film adaptations.

Why creepypastas are interesting for films

Film studios are increasingly turning to creepypastas because they already have an existing fan base. Material that has been read or viewed millions of times online is considered a promising basis for a film adaptation. In addition, many creepypastas offer a strong visual idea or a clear central motif that can be easily translated into film.

At the same time, the challenge is to preserve the original atmosphere. Creepypastas are often short, enigmatic, and leave a lot of room for the reader's imagination. A feature film, on the other hand, needs a well-developed plot and clear characters. Not every adaptation can maintain this balance.

Conclusion

Creepypastas show how horror stories are changing in the digital age. What once began as an anonymous forum post can now become the basis for a feature film. The film adaptations illustrate that the internet has long since become an important source of modern myths.