Adapted from one of the internet’s most recognizable creepypastas and expanded from his acclaimed YouTube series, director Kane Parsons makes his feature debut with "Backrooms." The film delves deep into surreal horror and psychological tension, leaning heavily into the unsettling nature of liminal spaces. Backed by grounded performances from Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve, the narrative effectively anchors its abstract concept around relatable human trauma and emotional isolation.
The plot follows Clark, a struggling store owner who stumbles upon an entry point to a strange dimension beneath his furniture showroom, and Mary, his therapist who is pulled into the mystery. Rather than relying on standard jump scares, Parsons masterfully builds dread through atmosphere: buzzing fluorescent lights, endless yellow corridors, and distorted interior architecture. As the story unfolds and begins to demystify this uncanny realm, some of the initial enigmatic tension naturally diminishes. Nevertheless, the visual storytelling and sound design remain consistently impressive throughout its runtime.
Ultimately, "Backrooms" succeeds as one of the most compelling feature adaptations of internet folklore to date. It delivers an eerie, thought-provoking journey for fans of psychological thrillers and atmospheric horror alike.
