Backrooms (2026) Review: Story, Verdict & Where to Watch

A Labyrinth of Liminal Dread

Kane Parsons’ "Backrooms" arrives as a fascinating expansion of his viral web series, successfully translating the eerie, unsettling concept of infinite, sterile spaces into a feature-length film. Parsons, in his directorial debut, demonstrates a remarkable command over atmosphere and visual storytelling. The film eschews conventional horror tropes, opting instead for a pervasive sense of disorientation and dread built meticulously through its striking production design and evocative soundscape. From the moment a strange doorway appears in a furniture showroom basement, the audience is plunged into a world that feels both familiar and deeply alien. The film's aesthetic leans heavily into liminality, utilizing vast, yellow-lit corridors and sterile fluorescent lighting to create an environment that is paradoxically oppressive in its emptiness. This visual strategy, noted by critics like Amy Nicholson as less a conventional horror film and more a surreal, dreamlike experience akin to a moving Salvador Dalí painting, is central to its impact. The grainy, handheld visual style employed in certain sequences further enhances the feeling of an unnerving, found-footage nightmare, resonating with audience feedback that praised its ability to build insane tension through these 'home video' style shots.

Parsons' control extends beyond just the visuals; the sound design is a character in itself. Heavy, unrelenting, and often subtle, it contributes significantly to the pervasive sense of unease. Owen Gleiberman observed Parsons' skill at creating dread through mood, sound design, and eerie visuals rather than relying on jump scares, a sentiment echoed by audience members who highlighted the brilliant use of sound to capture 'pure, unsettling liminal space dread.' The film's pacing is deliberate, almost dreamlike, allowing the unsettling atmosphere to seep in gradually rather than relying on rapid-fire scares. This methodical approach might not appeal to all horror fans, particularly those accustomed to more direct scares, but it is precisely this slow burn that allows the psychological elements to take root. The film's runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes feels justified by the immersive world-building, even if some sections might feel drawn out for viewers expecting a faster narrative.

Subtle Performances in a Sparse World

Amidst the overwhelming environmental horror, the performances of Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, and Mark Duplass serve as crucial anchors, grounding the surreal experience in human emotion. Despite a script that critics like Dan Bayer described as sparse, Ejiofor and Reinsve manage to convey a surprising depth of emotion through subtle acting. Their nuanced portrayals are vital, allowing the audience to connect with their characters' fear, confusion, and resilience without needing explicit dialogue or extensive exposition. This understated approach complements the film’s overall tone, where the environment often speaks louder than words. The dynamic between the characters, though not always overtly dramatic, underpins the psychological exploration at the film's core. The cast navigates the disorienting, labyrinthine spaces with a quiet desperation that feels authentic, enhancing the film's immersive quality. While the screenplay by Will Soodik 'cobbles together ideas,' as Beatrice Loayza noted, it is the cast's ability to embody these abstract concepts that makes them resonate. The human element, though seemingly small against the vastness of the Backrooms, provides the necessary emotional stakes for the audience to invest in the journey.

Unpacking the Psychological Depths

"Backrooms" is more than just a visual spectacle; it's a psychologically dense film that delves into profound themes. Critics have drawn comparisons to works like "Eraserhead" and "The Shining" for its dreamlike horror and use of empty spaces, suggesting a narrative that operates on multiple symbolic levels. The film touches upon ideas of trauma, the mysterious workings of the unconscious mind, and even metaphors for gentrification, as suggested by Loayza. Sonny Bunch praised the film for its emotional honesty, visual creativity, and psychological depth, calling it 'tremendously effective' and 'astute.' This cerebral approach means the horror isn't just external; it's deeply internalized, reflecting the characters' mental states and fears. The constant sense of disorientation and the labyrinthine spaces become a metaphor for being lost within one's own mind, wrestling with unresolved issues. The film invites interpretation, prompting viewers to consider the deeper implications of its unsettling environment. Audience ratings indicate a generally positive reception, with many appreciating its unique atmosphere and innovative approach to horror, though some may find its thematic explicitness occasionally heavy-handed. Ultimately, "Backrooms" distinguishes itself as a compelling entry in the psychological horror genre, offering a thought-provoking and unforgettable cinematic experience for those willing to venture into its twisted depths.