Backrooms Horror Film Turns Internet Myth Into Big-Screen Nightmare

After being made real on the web, the internet’s most unsettling urban legend is now making the move to the big screen with the highly anticipated horror film inspired by the viral phenomenon, Backrooms, which starts rolling out in cinemas. 

The film, directed by 20-year-old Kane Parsons and released by A24, has already been one of the most-discussed horror movies of the year and is poised to be a major hit.

The “Backrooms” idea emerged from an enigmatic image posted online in 2019 and evolved into a cultural phenomenon as fans envisioned an infinite series of empty yellow rooms, flickering lights, and eerie silence. 

Parsons later adapted the concept into a wildly successful horror show for YouTube, where the atmosphere of fear and mystery is created through the use of a found-footage style. In this new, unsettling universe, he’s taken his work and made a full-length feature film. 

The film follows Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who is struggling to run his furniture shop, and comes across a strange doorway in his showroom. 

He begins by playing around, but soon falls into terror as he discovers a realm of surreal, seemingly endless existence in which the nature of reality is twisted and there’s no chance of escape, called the Backrooms. Therapist Dr Mary Kline (Renate Reinsve) falls into the nightmare as she looks for answers, while at his side. 

The psychological atmosphere of Backrooms has been noted to be excellent, whereas many horror films are built on jump scares. The film is said to be very disturbing with the use of a very claustrophobic set, isolation and silence.

Long corridors, empty office-like spaces and impenetrable architecture create a sense of fear that seeps its way into the audience’s consciousness long after the credits are shown.

Young filmmaker Parsons’ achievement has also been noted by reviewers. He’s one of the youngest directors to helm a major film for A24, and critics have praised him for his visuals and his ability to bring a digital horror idea to film. Initial reviews indicate that the movie’s unique aesthetic is resonating with audiences, especially those who are more accustomed to internet horror, which is common for young viewers.

The film has been discussed extensively on the internet, with horror fans debating whether it is more frightening than traditional horror. Some have called it a psychological experience, and some have said that the film’s disturbing atmosphere is more important than the actual scares. Its visual design and unsettling realism have been praised by viewers even from opposing sides of the debate over the ending, on Reddit’s message boards.

Backrooms is a horror tale themed around internet legends and digital narratives, and it’s all Hollywood! The movie is either frightening or bizarre, depending on how one looks at it, but it certainly shows audiences that the empty room can be filled with terror.