In recent times, horror cinema has proven to be the terrain where the riskier and more sophisticated ideasThis has turned the strange and disturbing into mass phenomena. Within this trend, a proposal emerges that breaks with traditional norms: Backrooms, the ambitious big-screen adaptation of a series of videos that had already made their mark on YouTube.
This project is the culmination of the talent of Kane ParsonsParsons, who at just 21 years old has managed to decode the mechanisms of modern fear. With the backing of producers of the caliber of James Wan and Osgood Perkins, Parsons has transformed a concept born from a 4chan thread and the culture of... CREEPYPASTA in an audiovisual piece that blends science fiction with a profoundly existential terror.
The concept of liminal spaces and the plot
To understand the film, you first have to figure out what this "thing" is all about. liminal spacesBasically, they are transitional spaces, like corridors or airports, that feel unsettling when empty. In the film, this translates into an endless labyrinth of offices bathed in a yellowish fluorescent lightwhere physical logic goes haywire and objects appear embedded in the walls randomly.
The story introduces us to Clark, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, the owner of a furniture store in San Jose, California, who is going through a rough patch. Between divorce and alcohol, Clark discovers a hidden treasure in the basement of his business. a crack that leads to another dimensionWhat begins as curiosity ends up becoming an obsession that drags him and his therapist, Mary (Renate Reinsve), into an abyss where memories and space become distorted.
The screenplay, co-written by Roberto Patino and William Bromell, proposes a journey where the narrative sometimes becomes secondary to the oppressive atmosphereIt's not your typical jump-scare horror, but rather a feeling of utter helplessness. The film plays with the idea that these corridors are a reflection of the mental stagnation and unresolved traumas of its protagonists.
Visual innovation and sensory design
One of its strongest points is undoubtedly Danny Vermette's work as art director. The set design is a blend of industrial minimalism and... surrealism of Salvador DalÃcreating a tactile experience where the viewer feels the sterility of the place. The camera work is fluid and sometimes subjective, reminiscent of the style of found footage but with a far superior technical quality.
On the other hand, the sound design is a true gem and a fundamental pillar of the fear. constant electrical buzzing and the distorted echoes create a permanent disorientation. This sonic aggression makes the space feel alive, as if the building itself were observing the characters, making the silence... much more terrifying than any loud noise.
Some critics compare the film's structure to the works of M.C. Escher or Kubrick's Overlook Hotel, as it revels in the sensation of walking in circlesThis endless repetition is a metaphor for infinite internet scrolling and the emptiness of the post-pandemic world, where reality seems to have become fluid and meaningless.
Receptions and critical debate
Opinions on Parsons' work are quite divided. For some, it is a masterpiece of atmosphere which subverts the rules of the genre and offers a physical representation of the unconscious. For others, the pace is excessively slow and the script too cryptic, becoming incomprehensible in certain passageswhich may frustrate those looking for a linear and closed plot.
- Highlights: The ability to turn a minimalist idea into an immersive experience and the brilliance of its sound design.
- The weak point: A pace that may be tedious for some and a plot that leaves too many questions unanswered.
Despite the disagreements, it is undeniable that Backrooms is a A bombshell for young audiencesaccustomed to the fragmented narratives of the internet, the film doesn't attempt to provide ready-made answers, but rather invites the viewer to draw their own conclusions about the cosmic orphanhood and the fear of getting lost in the unknown.
This cinematic endeavor stands as a fascinating experiment that successfully translates viral horror to the feature-length format without losing its enigmatic essence. In the end, what remains is the imprint of a existential horror which reminds us that the most dangerous labyrinths are often those we carry inside our heads.