⭐️⭐️⭐⭐✨ 4.5
Surreal, unique and genuinely intriguing. A thriller that blends science fiction with a touch of horror, Backrooms feels like an independent film with the benefit of studio backing and a larger-scale production.
I fancied watching a film at the cinema and the available choices to me were very much in the “take a chance” category. After watching a few trailers, this one caught my eye and I’m glad it did. It proved to be really enjoyable and easy to follow, avoiding the unnecessary complexity that can sometimes get in the way of a good story. The ending is open to interpretation, but in a way that invites discussion rather than frustration.
I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it quite as much as I did. The acting is excellent throughout, particularly from the two leads, Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Mary (Renate Reinsve), who both deliver believable and grounded performances.
I understand the film is based on a YouTube series, and the sense of mystery reminded me a little of tv show Lost. There was a good turnout at the cinema and I got the impression that most of the audience enjoyed it. The surreal elements were particularly effective and, at times, brought to mind the film Being John Malkovich with its strange and unsettling atmosphere.
What makes the film even more impressive is that it was reportedly made on a budget of around $10 million. I suspect it will comfortably recoup its costs. I’d certainly recommend giving it a watch.
Backrooms is a psychological sci-fi horror film inspired by the viral internet myth of the same name. The story follows a man who becomes obsessed with a strange, seemingly endless alternate dimension made up of empty, yellow-lit rooms and corridors hidden beyond reality. As he ventures deeper into the mysterious labyrinth, he encounters unsettling phenomena that challenge his sanity and sense of identity. Blending surreal horror, suspense, and existential themes, the film explores isolation, obsession, and the fear of being trapped in a place where the normal rules of time and space no longer apply.
Online synopsis
Film Rating
Music
4 out of 5 (mainly instrumental)
Story/plot
3.5 out of 5
Acting/Performances
4.5 out of 5
Overall
4.5 out of 5
Certification: 15
Running time: 110 minutes
Screening type: 2D
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