One thought, after seeing the horror film *BACKROOMS* (2026), which came out this spring, stuck with me. More than the jump scares, more than the terror of being trapped in a senseless underground labyrinth, I found myself thinking during my first viewing of the film: But who owns this fabulous art gallery?
Kane Parsons’ film, with its unsettling narrative structure and vomit-yellow walls, is a work of contemporary art. Sculptures made from found objects, ready-mades, anthropomorphism, and papier-mâché—and the mural inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat’s work, of course. Without the terror, it’s like a visit to Art Basel Miami.
That’s why we’re really, really looking forward to seeing the film at one of our favorite contemporary art galleries in Montreal—Galerie FOIL.
BACKROOMS will be screened at a “drive-in” on August 23, 2026.
DRIVE-IN, ARTISTIC BLUR, AND A CINEMATOGRAPHIC CRAM COURSE
If you want to watch or rewatch *BACKROOMS* in its original English version (VOA), this is the perfect place—and time—to do so. For one thing, because the film triggers a sweat-inducing sense of claustrophobia, and watching it outdoors will definitely make the experience much more enjoyable. Although, after staring at the starless sky above Montreal for so long, we might start to believe it’s a set and that we’re underground, lost in a version of reality that’s slowly but surely warping.
And then, the “drive-in” is a timeless classic—and a classic of summer horror movies. We bring our crush, we bring our most artistic friends, we eat popcorn under the dark sky of a Montreal summer night, and we feel the sun-warmed air gently evaporating beneath our feet.
Just like at a drive-in theater in the countryside, there’ll be popcorn and cold drinks. The screening will begin right after sunset.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Where? FOIL Gallery, 6560 Waverly Street
When? Sunday, August 23, 2026, at sunset (around 9 p.m.)
What? Tickets are $24.74, and you have to bring your own chair (or lounge chair). For more info and to reserve a spot at the Galerie FOIL drive-in, click here
