naiwa 2026-05-31

A $10 million budget horror film doubled expectations and rewrote the studio's history.

The horror film "The Backrooms" based on the creepypasta The Backrooms opened in the US with $81 million — twice the projected $40-50 million. Total worldwide box office for the first weekend reached $118 million, setting an absolute record for A24 both in the American market and globally. The film's production budget was only ten million dollars.Behind the camera was 20-year-old Kane Parsons, who became the youngest director whose debut film topped the American box office — the previous record was held by 27-year-old Josh Trank with "Chronicle." The film also recorded the best opening for an original horror in box office history.The plot follows a furniture store owner who discovers a portal in the basement to an endless otherworldly dimension with fluorescent lighting. After his disappearance, psychotherapist Mary sets out to find him. The second place for the weekend was "Obsession" with $26.4 million — surpassing "The Mandalorian and Grogu" ($25 million). According to Focus Features, "Obsession" became the first film since 1982 to increase its box office for three consecutive weeks outside the holiday season. Experts called the dominance of two original horror films at the start of the summer season, traditionally dominated by franchises, astonishing.
"Backrooms" sets A24 record at previews — $10.4 million in one evening — naiwa | UniversumThe horror film smashed the studio's previous…