In 2019, an anonymous user on 4chan posted a photo of a yellow walls taken in 2002 from an old furniture store undergoing renovation. Like Slender Man, The Backrooms became an online phenomenon as the concept an abandoned area expands into an endless maze of halls inhabited by mysterious entities. The Backrooms spread across social media platforms on YouTube, Facebook & TikTok.
In 2022, teenage YouTuber, Kane Parsons published a found footage web series of videos based on Backrooms. Set in 1991, it centers on three students who discover another dimension obviously an endless maze of halls. Suddenly, they discover entities roaming around the place. The titular web series became an instant viral hit gaining over 197 million views. In 2023, independent production company, A24 confirmed they were producing a film adaptation of Backrooms as a joint production between Chernin Entertainment, Atomic Monster & 21 Laps Entertainment. Three Years Later, the film was officially distributed worldwide.
Backrooms earned huge praise from critics and movie goers alike. The film’s now streaming on HBO Max. It’s officially Fall. Meaning, my favorite season has commenced. Which is Awards Season. Robert Eggers’ upcoming “Werewulf” with Aaron Taylor-Johnson will be released on Christmas Day. A week after “Avengers: Doomsday.” Anyway, it’s almost Halloween. I’ve chosen Backrooms as a teaser. I intend to watch a ton of horror movies throughout October.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving you a chance to see this sleeper hit.
Full & Empty Qualities
Full: Chiwetel Ejiofor & Renate Reinsve both did an amazing job for their respective performances.
Other Cast Members such as Lukita Maxwell, (Alice Laird from Shrinking) Finn Bennett & Mark Duplass all did a decent job for their respective performances.
Kane Parsons did a great job directing his first film. He also orchestrated the soundtrack alongside Edo Van Breeman.
Will Soodik wrote the script. Made sure plot elements were kept intact.
James Wan, Shawn Levy & Osgood Perkins served as co-producers.
Scare Factor has actual bone chilling moments. Not a single Jump Scare present. Way scarier than *cough* “Weapons.” Sorry folks, I didn’t like Weapons. It was a snoozefest.
Visual Effects create the endless maze using 3D modeling. I didn’t notice upon first viewing. It looked like the environment’s made as complex set piece. I’m surprised this film’s budget is $10 million. Well done A24. Don’t forget the mysterious entities were brought to life by Class A effects.
Cinematography’s shot in good condition. Opening Scene and Act 2 switches to first-person giving it that old VHS quality like the web series.
According to Kane, the film’s influenced by “One Hour Photo,” the “Portal” video games, “Mr. Robot, & Satoshi Kon’s “Paranoia Agent.”
We learn about the troubled lives of Clark & Mary.
I can’t tell you how it ends. You’ll have to see for yourself.
Upon first watch, it’s worth a rewatch if you wanna pick up subtle clues.
Boards of Canada’s “The World Becomes Flesh” plays during the End Credits. It’s got that “Blade Runner” tone.
Fun Facts
- Kane Parsons became the youngest filmmaker to make full-length film at the age of 20. He turned 21 after the films release.
- Backrooms earned $400 million at the box office. Making this the highest-grossing A24 film surpassing “Marty Supreme.”
- My idol, Christopher Nolan confirmed he’s a fan of Backrooms comparing it to David Lynch’s work. The man’s got good taste. He also likes “Talladega Nights: The Ballard of Ricky Bobby.”
Random Thought: Alright I confess. I never watched a single episode of the Backrooms web series on YouTube. My first exposure to the viral sensation was a trailer for the film. I’ll check it out some other time.
Empty: There’s some pacing issues in Act 1 and Act 3.
The Final Verdict: A-
Despite one drawback, Backrooms is a near-perfect horror flick definitely worth your spare time. Kane Parsons made history as the youngest filmmaker in history to make a full-length film. I think he has a bright future ahead. He’s now working on a sequel to Backrooms. I cannot wait for future projects. Which horror films should I watch and review during Halloween Month? Please leave a comment.
Which Creepypasta film adaptation do you wanna see in the future? Jeff the Killer’s getting his own movie.
