Mark Duplass defends Kane Parsons' age against criticism from film trolls

By Terrance Silva

Kane Parsons' film debut

Next Friday, Uruguayan cinemas will receive the film “Back Rooms”, a project that has generated great expectations. The production, under the A24 label, features performances by Mark Duplass, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsvé, among others. The plot revolves around a therapist searching for a missing patient in a strange dimension, a concept that has captured the public's attention.

Kane Parsons, a young filmmaker of only 20 years old, becomes the studio's youngest director with this feature film. His career took off in 2022, when he began uploading a YouTube series that explored an infinite labyrinth of rooms. This project has been adapted for the big screen, which marks a milestone in its career.

However, the arrival of “Back Rooms” has not been without controversy. On social media, some users have questioned the authorship of the film, suggesting that Parsons would not be the true director. This rumble has led Duplass to come to the defense of his colleague, stating that the young filmmaker had total control during filming.

Defense in social networks

Controversy broke out when an X (formerly Twitter) user stated that “we all know that Kane Parsons didn't direct this movie at all.” To this accusation, Duplass responded firmly: "Hmmm, with all due respect, I don't remember seeing you on set. When I was there, Kane was 100% in control. More than many directors three times his age." This comment has sparked a debate about the perception of young directors in the film industry.

During a recent talk at CCXP Mexico, Parsons shared details about the production. He revealed that the film crew built 30,000 square feet of actual “back rooms,” which adds a level of authenticity to the story. The director explained that the film uses the YouTube series as a starting point, but focuses on the development of characters who live lonely and isolated lives.

“It takes a more specific approach, where you look through the lens of these specific characters,” Parsons said. "In the movie, there's rarely a moment where there are more than one or two characters on screen at a time. It's a pretty lonely movie." This vision has resonated with fans of the horror genre, who seek deeper and more emotional experiences.

The arrival of “Back Rooms” is also framed in a broader context. Earlier this year, content creator Markiplier released his own horror film, “Iron Lung,” which managed to gross over million at the box office, despite being a self-distributed project. This success has opened a debate about the stigma that still persists against content creators on platforms like YouTube.

Markiplier, in a recent interview, expressed that “there is still a stigma against YouTube.” He assured that the film industry must adapt and accept that content creators can offer quality products. "It's not like I'm going to tear down the mountain by myself. You have to tear it down and then knock it over again until it returns to normal," he added.

The arrival of “Back Rooms” represents a change in the narrative of contemporary cinema, where young filmmakers are beginning to make a place for themselves in an industry traditionally dominated by established figures. The film is not only a testament to Parsons' talent, but also a reflection of how digital platforms are transforming the way cinema is produced and consumed.

With the premiere in sight, expectation is growing among Uruguayan moviegoers. “Back Rooms” promises to be a unique experience, both for its story and for the talent behind the camera. The film is released at a time when horror cinema is booming, and its focus on loneliness and isolation could resonate with an audience looking for new narratives in the genre.

The buzz on social media and Duplass' defense have put “Back Rooms” at the center of the cinematic conversation. The film is not only a debut for Parsons, but also a challenge to perceptions about youth and creativity in film.

The film premieres on October 6.