(SeaPRwire) – By: Logan Pierce
The world of horror has always been a breeding ground for creativity and innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what scares us. And in recent years, the rise of internet horror has introduced a whole new dimension to the genre, captivating audiences with its unique blend of storytelling and immersive experiences. One such phenomenon that has taken the horror world by storm is the Backrooms.
Since its inception just seven years ago, the concept of the Backrooms has become an integral part of the new-age internet horror landscape. Rooted in the uncanny geographical horror found in works like The Shining or The Blair Witch Project, the Backrooms has inspired a plethora of video games, web-series, and even a feature-length horror film released by A24 earlier this year. But what sets the Backrooms apart is its ability to engage the masses, allowing them to shape the narrative and choose which threads to follow.
The most popular and recognizable Backrooms works come from the YouTube channel Kane Pixels, created by 21-year-old experimental filmmaker Kane Parsons. In 2022, Parsons used Blender to create a short film about the concept, which quickly spiraled into a multi-part YouTube horror series. This series eventually led to the creation of Backrooms, the feature film that has become A24’s highest-grossing movie ever. Parsons’ ability to turn a niche internet phenomenon into a box office success is truly remarkable.
Now, just months after its initial release, A24 has announced that Backrooms will be getting a theatrical re-release, titled Backrooms: Everything Must Go Edition. Set to hit theaters on July 3, just in time for the 4th of July weekend, this new version of the film clocks in at two hours and six minutes and includes a “theatrically exclusive” post-credits scene and additional footage that adds up to about 15 minutes in total. While details about the nature of this additional footage are scarce, fans are speculating that it could be a Director’s Cut or simply deleted scenes presented at the end, similar to what the MCU did for the re-release of Avengers: Endgame in 2019.
One of the most talked-about aspects of Backrooms is its use of found-footage sequences, which add a layer of authenticity and unease to the film. Unlike Parsons’ YouTube series, the feature film weaves these brief setpieces into a more traditional cinematic framing, creating a unique viewing experience. Fans are hoping that the re-release will include more of these claustrophobic, terrifying moments of shaky-cam obfuscation and pandemonium, as opposed to the movie’s slower-paced character and exposition scenes.
The decision to re-release Backrooms is a testament to the impact that the film has had on audiences. Despite any valid criticisms of its debut, the fact that A24 feels confident enough to bring it back to theaters shows that it has struck a chord with viewers. This kind of confidence also suggests that the recently announced sequel is high on the company’s list of priorities.
So, what can we expect from the Backrooms: Everything Must Go Edition? Will it live up to the hype and deliver an even more terrifying experience? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: the Backrooms has become a cultural phenomenon, and its influence on the horror genre is undeniable. As fans eagerly await the re-release, they can’t help but wonder what new secrets and scares await them in the maddeningly mundane labyrinth of the Backrooms.
Author bio: Logan Pierce, an independent business researcher and corporate governance writer on Medium.