Backrooms delivers a chilling, surreal experience despite minimal plot

At a glance:

• The film, based on a popular YouTube series, opens in theaters on May 29.
• Directed by Kane Parsons, it stars Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve in lead roles.
• Production design and lighting use harsh neon aesthetics to create an unsettling atmosphere.

What happened

Backrooms, a new horror film from A24, is based on a wildly popular YouTube series of the same name. Directed by Kane Parsons, the movie follows Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a depressed furniture store owner who discovers an impossible, infinite space in his basement. After exploring the eerie, neon-lit rooms and telling his therapist Mary (Renate Reinsve), he vanishes, leaving Mary to uncover the mysteries of the backrooms. The film's plot is sparse, relying heavily on its surreal setting and atmosphere rather than traditional narrative structure.

Why it matters

The film's strength lies in its ability to create a deeply immersive and terrifying world. Unlike typical horror movies that rely on darkness, Backrooms uses bright, harsh lighting and a yellowish color palette to evoke unease. Each room is uniquely designed, blending fantasy and reality in ways that keep viewers questioning the nature of the space. While the story is minimal, the characters of Clark and Mary gain depth through their experiences in the backrooms, revealing personal growth and hidden traits.

How it works

The production design and lighting are standout elements, creating a visually striking yet uncomfortable environment. Every space Clark or Mary encounters is distinct, with intricate details that enhance the mystery. The film includes jump scares, gory scenes, and character design that contribute to its unsettling tone. Despite these elements, the focus remains on the backrooms themselves, which serve as both the setting and the central mystery.

Who is affected

Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve deliver compelling performances, bringing depth to their characters despite the sparse script. Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, and Lukita Maxwell also appear in supporting roles, adding layers to the narrative. The film's unique approach to horror may appeal to fans of psychological thrillers and surreal storytelling, while its visual style could influence future genre films.

What to watch next

Backrooms opens in theaters on May 29, offering audiences a chance to experience its eerie world firsthand. The film's success could lead to further adaptations or sequels, given the rich potential of the backrooms concept. For now, it stands as a testament to the power of atmosphere and design in horror cinema.

Conclusion

Backrooms is a visually stunning and psychologically gripping film that prioritizes atmosphere over conventional storytelling. Its unique production choices and strong performances make it a standout in the horror genre, leaving viewers both terrified and curious about the mysteries it presents. The film's release marks a significant entry in A24's catalog, blending indie sensibilities with mainstream appeal.