Exploring Liminal Horror: Kane Parsons and Alex Ullom Unpack the Latest Film Craze

A New Wave of Horror: The Rise of Liminal Storytelling

2026 has witnessed a unique trend in horror filmmaking, particularly with a focus on the unsettling and the transitional. This trend, known as liminal horror, captures the essence of eerie, never-ending spaces that resonate deeply with today’s youth. Two pioneering Gen-Z filmmakers, Kane Parsons and Alex Ullom, have been at the forefront of this cinematic phenomenon.

The Birth of a Genre

Kane Parsons first made waves with his film "Backrooms," based on an open-source internet legend about infinite, eerily lit rooms that captivated global audiences and sparked a major film franchise. Building on this success, another Gen-Z director, Alex Ullom, premiered his film "It Ends" at the 2025 SXSW. This film combines the endlessness of "Backrooms" with classic road trip elements, where a group of teenagers find themselves on a ceaseless journey, adding another layer to the liminal horror landscape.

The Allure of the Undefined

In a recent event in Vancouver to celebrate the release of "It Ends," Kane Parsons led a Q&A with Alex Ullom, where they discussed their creative processes and the motivations behind their films. This conversation, released exclusively by IndieWire, delved into why these undefined, transitional spaces appeal so strongly to younger viewers.

During the discussion, Ullom mentioned the term "liminal," which Parsons humorously lamented had become "a whole crazy thing," indicating the growing popularity and perhaps oversaturation of the subgenre. Ullom humorously pointed out that Parsons himself was to blame for the trend, a comment Parsons took in stride as they moved into a deeper exploration of the genre’s appeal.

Navigating a Surreal Existence

Ullom articulated a sentiment that many young people feel, describing the current global atmosphere as being on "the precipice of a massive transition." This sense of impending change and instability makes the liminal horror genre particularly relevant and engaging. The films offer viewers a space to detach from a world that often makes little sense, providing a narrative that mirrors the chaos of modern life without offering a clear resolution.

Ullom explained that while detachment might not be a long-term solution, it is a necessary temporary state. He emphasized the need for a moral cohesion that could eventually lead society out of this state of constant uncertainty. He poignantly described the current global experience as fluctuating wildly between extremes, from graphic violence to trivial absurdities, capturing the disjointed reality that today’s youth navigate.

"It Ends" Hits Theaters

"It Ends" has begun showing in select theaters and is set to expand its reach. This film not only continues the narrative style that Parsons introduced but also pushes the boundaries of how horror can articulate the feelings of a generation confronted by relentless change and uncertainty.

As these films reach wider audiences, the conversations between filmmakers like Parsons and Ullom provide invaluable insights into the motivations and aspirations of a generation that finds itself both fascinated and unsettled by the unknown. Through their films, they offer a lens to view our own realities, a mirror to our chaos, and perhaps a map through our transitions.

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Claude Merritt

Claude Merritt explores the world of entertainment with a keen eye. From music to film, TV series, and popular culture, he covers celebrity news and American cultural trends with a lively and critical approach.