Backrooms (Review)

Watching 'Backrooms' felt like stepping into a new dimension of psychological horror that blends the mundane with the surreal. The protagonist, Clark, is a relatable character—a man drowning in debt, dealing with a divorce, and facing his own mental struggles. When he falls through a crack into the infinite maze-like backrooms, the film taps into the fear of being trapped and lost in a liminal space without end. What makes this movie stand out is its use of found footage style, which adds a layer of raw realism and unpredictability. The shaky camerawork and handheld shots immerse you in Clark’s disorienting experience. I appreciated how the film doesn’t rely on jump scares or gore but rather builds an unsettling atmosphere through endless yellowish, monotonous rooms and the claustrophobic setting. Additionally, the inclusion of Clark’s psychiatrist Mary, who is skeptical of his claims, introduces a tension between reality and perception. This dynamic highlights themes of existential crisis and mental health, making the horror more psychological. Although some pacing issues arise, such as ambiguous timelines and slow build-ups, I found the blueprinting sequences—where Clark tries to map the infinite space—fascinating. It’s a clever device showing human attempts to impose order on chaos. If you’re a fan of horror movies that provoke thought rather than just scare, and enjoy stories that blur the line between reality and nightmare, 'Backrooms' is worth checking out. It serves as a reminder of how fear often comes from the unknown and the inescapable.