I just walked out of the theater and my head is still spinning. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much from a movie about a door in a basement, but 'Backrooms' got under my skin in a way I didn't see coming. I kept looking over my shoulder in the parking lot, half-expecting to see that weird yellow glow. It's been a while since a horror movie made me feel this unsettled, and I'm still trying to shake it off.
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What's Backrooms About?
So, the movie's about a furniture showroom where a strange doorway suddenly appears in the basement. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays a manager who stumbles on it, and things get really weird from there. It's not your typical jump-scare fest—it's more about the dread of what's behind that door. The cast includes Renate Reinsve and Mark Duplass, and it's directed by Kane Parsons, who seems to know how to build tension slowly.
What Works in Backrooms
- ✓ Chiwetel Ejiofor's performance was incredible. He brought this quiet panic that felt so real—I could almost feel his heart racing during the scenes in the basement.
- ✓ The atmosphere was spot-on. The yellow lighting and the endless, empty rooms gave me this claustrophobic feeling that stayed with me long after the credits rolled.
- ✓ I loved how the mystery unfolded. It didn't spoon-feed you everything; you had to piece it together, which made it more engaging and creepy.
- ✓ The sound design was a standout. Every creak and distant hum added to the tension, and there was one moment with a sudden silence that had me holding my breath.
What Doesn't Work
- ✗ The pacing felt a bit slow in the middle. There were stretches where not much happened, and I found myself checking my watch a couple of times.
- ✗ Some of the dialogue felt a little forced, especially between the supporting characters. It pulled me out of the immersion now and then.
- ✗ The ending felt a bit ambiguous for my taste. I get that it's supposed to leave you thinking, but I wanted a bit more closure.
Standout Moments & Performances
There's a scene where Ejiofor first walks through the doorway and sees the endless yellow corridors—it was so surreal, I felt like I was right there with him, lost. Another moment that stuck with me was when Finn Bennett's character starts hearing whispers from the walls; it was so subtle but genuinely creepy. And the final shot—just a long, silent pan across the furniture showroom at night—left me with this eerie feeling that something was still watching. Those moments really made the movie for me.
Main Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, Lukita Maxwell
Direction, Music & Visuals
Kane Parsons did a fantastic job directing this. The cinematography was minimalist but effective—lots of long takes that made you feel trapped in those spaces. The music was sparse, which worked perfectly; when it did kick in, it hit hard. The performances were solid across the board, but Ejiofor carried the weight of the film with his expressions alone. Renate Reinsve brought this quiet intensity that added depth, and Mark Duplass provided a bit of levity without breaking the tension. The practical effects for the doorway were simple but believable, which made the horror feel grounded.
Director: Kane Parsons
Genres: Horror, Mystery, Science Fiction
Who Should Watch Backrooms?
If you're into slow-burn horror that relies on atmosphere and mystery rather than gore, this is for you. Fans of movies like 'The Others' or 'The Blair Witch Project' will appreciate the creeping dread. Also, anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers with a sci-fi twist—this has that 'what's behind the door' vibe that keeps you guessing. It's perfect for a late-night watch with friends who don't mind a slow build.
Who Might Want to Skip?
If you need fast-paced action or frequent jump scares to stay engaged, you'll probably get bored. The slow pacing in the middle might frustrate those who prefer straightforward horror. Also, if you hate ambiguous endings that leave questions unanswered, skip this one—it's not for you.
Final Verdict
Overall, 'Backrooms' is a solid horror flick that does a lot with a simple premise. It's not perfect—the pacing drags a bit, and the ending might leave you hanging—but the direction, performances, and atmosphere make it worth a watch. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys thoughtful horror, but I probably wouldn't watch it again. It's one of those movies that sticks with you more for the feeling than the plot. Rating: 7.5/10.
