Backrooms (2026)

I had just recently watched at least half of the Backrooms series on YouTube. I thought it was very interesting despite the fact that it fried my brain more than any negative social situation ever did. After the series, I was intrigued to watch the feature film based on it and I must say, pretty solid addition to the horror genre. I’ll admit, I didn’t really understand the point of the show when I first watched it, so I was curious to see how they would give it a story on the big screen. And, I think that co-writer and director Kane Parsons (creator of the series) absolutely knocked it out of the park. What I also find impressive are the records this film has already shattered, such as Parsons becoming the youngest director to helm a #1 box office film globally (at 20 years old), largest original horror debut in history, largest opening weekend ever for a first-time feature director on an original film, and a few more that you can find online. I think it’s also incredible how Parsons brought this world to life, especially for someone who started out as a YouTuber and is already reaching new heights in his career. I have more to say about this insane journey so let’s step into a world that doesn’t make sense.

     The film follows a group of individuals who find themselves trapped in an endless maze of eerie, liminal spaces that seem to stretch beyond logic or escape. As they wander through the unsettling, monotonous corridors, the environment itself begins to feel alive with hidden dangers and psychological dread. One thing that stuck out to me was the pacing of this movie. I know there’s some people who will probably complain about it worse than I do when my routines get disrupted but I like how it took its time to build up the characters and the worldbuilding. It kept me curious throughout and I honestly had no clue where the story would go. The cast was also top notch. It includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, Lukita Maxwell, Avan Jogia, and Robert Bobroczkyi. They all played their parts exceptionally well and it still amazes me that someone as young as Parsons was able to direct this crew and put this whole crazy world together. What also sells a good horror film is the score, which was also done by Kane Parson (seriously, is there anything he can’t do) and Edo Van Breemen. The score was haunting, unearthly, and absolutely sinister, which usually happens to be what you’re looking for in a horror film. Another thing to appreciate about this movie are the scares. You know how you know you’re watching a good horror movie? When the scares get to you and you’re on the edge of your seat hoping that these characters will make it. I won’t lie, this movie will definitely make you think. That, or give you a migraine, but I’ll leave that up to the viewer. Horror may not be my favorite genre but I always enjoy a good scary story and that’s what I got here.

     I don’t know what else I can say about the movie that won’t give everything away but I honestly think it’s worth a watch for any horror fan out there. Overall, I would have to give this movie a 9 out of 10. If you don’t mind the slow pace, the craziness that I don’t think even I could explain, or if you’re looking for a good scare, then definitely go check this film out. Liminal horror done right.