A24’s new horror film Backrooms. Directed by Kane Parsons. Brings to life a viral internet concept that began as a 4chan thread. The film follows Dr. Mary Kline (Renate Reinsve). A therapist who enters an alternate dimension to find her missing patient, Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor) — the story is set in the endless, eerie labyrinth of the Backrooms,a dimension characterized by repetitive, yellow-tiled rooms and an unsettling silence. The film. Which runs 110 minutes. Marks Parsons’ feature debut and was developed from a viral web series that gained over 75 million views on YouTube.

From Internet Meme to Cinematic Reality

The Backrooms phenomenon originated in 2019 when an anonymous user on 4chan’s /x/ forum posted an image of a seemingly endless, windowless room; the post invited others to share similarly disquieting photos. The idea quickly evolved into a transmedia phenomenon, inspiring viral videos, video games, and now, a feature film. According to GQ España, the Backrooms have become a cultural touchstone for those into creepypasta and analog horror, much like the Slender Man and Candle Cove.

Parsons, who created a viral web series titled The Backrooms (Found Footage) in 2022, was given a development deal by A24 based on that success. The web series, which expanded into 25 videos, played a key role in popularizing the concept. The original video alone garnered more than 75 million views, according to Moviejones, and helped establish the eerie aesthetic of endless yellow walls and flickering fluorescent lights.

The Film’s Eerie Concept and Monotone Horror

In Backrooms, the concept of the Backrooms is brought to life as a place that exists between reality and a parallel world. According to Moviejones, the film’s horror stems from its monotone design—endless, featureless rooms that feel both familiar and wrong. The Backrooms can be entered accidentally, like a glitch in the Matrix. The film’s atmosphere is further enhanced by its use of found-footage style and a focus on psychological tension rather than jump scares.

Clark, the store owner, stumbles into the Backrooms after a power surge in his furniture store. He is later joined by his colleague Kat (Lukita Maxwell) and her friend Bobby (Finn Bennett). As they explore the labyrinth, they encounter an unknown presence that seems to be watching them. Dr. Kline, Clark’s therapist, enters the Backrooms to find him, only to find herself in a dangerous situation.

Backrooms in the Horror Genre Scene

According to SensaCine, Backrooms fits into a broader trend of horror films that focus on psychological unease and existential dread. Films like Midsommar (2019) and Hereditary (2018) have set a new standard for horror that emphasizes atmosphere and tension over traditional jump scares. Backrooms continues this trend with its slow-burn approach and focus on the disorienting effects of the Backrooms environment.

However, the film also contrasts with other recent horror releases that embrace classic horror elements. For instance, Damian McCarthy’s Hokum (2024) is described as taking a more traditional approach by using jump scares and classic horror tropes. Backrooms, on the other hand, relies on a more subtle and lingering sense of dread.

As the Backrooms concept continues to evolve, Backrooms represents a significant step in its transformation from an internet meme to a full-fledged cinematic experience. The film’s success will likely influence how other horror concepts are adapted into mainstream media, according to Next Best Picture.