‘Backrooms’: A horror-maze experience worth getting lost in
Turning an internet creepypasta into a full-length feature film sounds like an ambitious move, but director Kane Parsons takes on the challenge of bringing that vision to the big screen in “Backrooms.” While the result is far from perfect, the attempt is enough to afford someone an effective horror experience.
“Backrooms” follows Mary (Renate Reinsve), a therapist whose patient (Chiwetel Ejiofor) disappears into a dimension beyond reality. Given the emotional connection they built as doctor and patient, Mary finds herself venturing into the unknown to save him.
The film’s first 20 minutes require a lot of patience, as the story takes its time in setting up its characters and themes. It is only when the characters finally step inside the maze-like dimension that things begin to click.
The cinematography and score are the film’s strongest assets. There are moments when it feels as if the audience is trapped inside the Backrooms alongside the characters. The film’s relentless use of jump scares is expected to elicit screams from the audience. Horror fans looking for a crowd-pleasing theatrical experience will get exactly what they came for.
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But “Backrooms” isn’t content with being just a haunted-house ride. Beneath its horror elements lies a deeper psychological story. The film attempts to explore childhood trauma, memory and the emotional baggage that people carry with them, giving the film more substance than its premise initially suggests.
However, it is also where the narrative becomes somewhat messy. The psychological themes can occasionally feel muddled, making it difficult to fully grasp what the film is trying to say. Some viewers may appreciate the ambiguity, while others may find themselves confused by the layers of symbolism.
The performances, meanwhile, help anchor the story. Ejiofor delivers a grounded portrayal of a man confronting fears he can barely understand, while Reinsve brings strength to her role. Their portrayals keep the film emotionally engaging, even when the story threatens to lose its footing.
Without revealing spoilers, the ending leave behind a lingering sense of emptiness; instead of providing easy answers, the film concludes in a way that invites reflection. It leaves viewers sitting with their thoughts, which perfectly captures what the Backrooms itself represents: a place that is confusing, isolating and impossible to fully understand.
“Backrooms” is not a flawless horror film. Its slow start and occasionally confusing psychological detours prevent it from reaching its full potential. But its unique premise, immersive execution, strong performances and haunting conclusion make it worth getting lost in.
“Backrooms” arrives in Philippine cinemas on June 3.
