Backrooms (2026)
Directed by Kane Parsons
[Rated R] 1hr 50min
Horror, Sci-fi
★★★★
As Clark struggles to revitalize his failing business, he discovers a mysterious entrance to an enormous hidden location inside his store. However, exploring these strange backrooms only worsens the condition of his mental health, so after trying to convince his therapist of his experiences there, he puts himself and others in great danger by venturing further into the unknown in order to obtain proof that it really exists.
Backrooms provides an excellent example of how a strong atmosphere can significantly impact a film. Some of its aspects can be a bit messy at various points, but because the unsettling atmosphere is developed so well, the entire movie becomes incredibly compelling. It really makes the most of its fantastic production design, as it creates liminal spaces where everything feels both familiar and off-putting at the same time. Even the cinematography itself seems slightly off with its frequent use of wide angle lenses, and many shots appear to have the framing of a 4:3 aspect ratio even though it’s presented in widescreen. This, along with the strikingly ominous score, adds a very uncanny perception of what’s happening on screen that further contributes to the film’s unsettling atmosphere. As a result, the tension slowly but effectively increases as the film continues, which culminates in a frightening climax and thought-provoking conclusion that answers some questions while leaving others open ended.
I recommend Backrooms to anyone who enjoys minimalist horror films that focus on building tension rather than relying on jump scares. While the narrative could have conveyed its themes more effectively, the incredible atmosphere easily makes up for it as the themes also tie into the uneasiness and uncertainty of the film’s overall aesthetic.
Backrooms is now playing in theaters. Click here to watch the Official Trailer.
– Review by Will Hopper