A24’s Backrooms shatters box office records with $38 million opening day
The film’s opening day gross exceeds that of The Mandalorian and Grogu, signalling strong returns on a $10 million production budget.
The film Backrooms, directed by Kane Parsons, has delivered a record-breaking box office performance for independent studio A24. The movie earned $38 million on its opening day, establishing the biggest opening weekend for the studio in its history. Industry projections suggest the film could generate up to $90 million over the full weekend, significantly surpassing initial expectations.
This result obliterates A24’s previous opening weekend record of $25.5 million, which was held by Alex Garland’s Civil War. The opening day gross also exceeded that of The Mandalorian and Grogu, which earned $33.7 million on its debut. The latest Star Wars film, which cost $165 million to produce, was viewed as an affordable entry in its franchise but failed to match Backrooms’ immediate box office traction.
Produced on an estimated budget of just $10 million, Backrooms is being described as an incredibly profitable venture. The stark contrast between its low production costs and high revenue highlights the financial efficiency of the project compared to major studio blockbusters. While it has not received the same level of universal critical acclaim as fellow low-budget horror breakout Obsession, the film is largely garnering positive reviews.
The success of Backrooms adds to a growing trend of YouTube creators finding success at the box office. This includes Curry Barker, known for the series Obsession, who has demonstrated that digital-native talent can translate into significant theatrical revenue. The film’s performance underscores the shifting dynamics in how content is developed and monetised in the modern entertainment landscape.
As the weekend progresses, the financial implications for A24 remain a focal point for industry observers. The studio’s ability to identify and capitalise on niche horror properties continues to yield substantial returns, reinforcing its strategy of investing in distinctive, low-cost productions that resonate with audiences.
