Production designer Danny Vermette on building the liminal horrors of A24's Backrooms

Production designer Danny Vermette discusses the design of A24's horror film Backrooms, directed by Kane Parsons. The film follows Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor), an architect-turned-furniture salesman who discovers a mysterious liminal space. Vermette notes architects will "cringe a bit" at the design horrors. The 30,000-square-foot set was built across four sound stages, featuring raked floors, askew rooms, and awkward color palettes. Parsons, who started making the original YouTube shorts at age 16 using Blender, insisted on practical effects. Vermette tested 30 wallpaper and carpet combinations to match the creepypasta aesthetic. Set decorator Trevor Johnston sourced 1990s fabrics and furniture for the Ottoman Empire store and therapist's office. Technical drawings from Vermette's father-in-law, a Vancouver architect, appear as easter eggs.