A24 plunges deeper: 'backrooms' trailer hints at existential horror
Forget jump scares; A24 is aiming for something far more unsettling. The studio's latest project, Backrooms, promises a psychological descent into the uncanny, drawing inspiration from a viral internet meme and poised to redefine the boundaries of modern horror.
A familiar premise, a disturbing twist
Director Kane Parsons, making his feature film debut, expands upon his 2022 short film of the same name. The narrative centers on Clark, portrayed by the ever-reliable Chiwetel Ejiofor, a man undergoing therapy who stumbles upon a hidden doorway in the basement of a furniture exhibition. Stepping through, he finds himself trapped within an endless, liminal labyrinth—the infamous 'Backrooms,' a space that has haunted internet folklore for years.
The trailer, now available, offers a glimpse into this unsettling world, showcasing the oppressive atmosphere and the growing sense of dread as Clark and his companions venture deeper. What begins as a seemingly bizarre anomaly for Clark’s therapist quickly transforms into a desperate search for survival when Clark vanishes within the labyrinth. The therapist, initially skeptical, must confront the terrifying reality of Clark’s claims, venturing into the Backrooms herself to uncover the truth.
The ensemble cast is a significant draw, boasting names like Renate Reinsve, Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, Lukita Maxwell, Avan Jogia, and Chelah Horsdal. These are actors known for their nuanced performances and ability to navigate complex narratives—a perfect fit for the psychological depth that Backrooms appears to be cultivating.
The film’s visual aesthetic, judging from the trailer, leans heavily into the unsettling familiarity of liminal spaces—those transitional zones like empty hallways, parking garages, and office spaces at night. It's a deliberate choice to tap into a primal sense of unease, playing on the feeling of being lost and disconnected from reality. The source material, born from a Reddit post showcasing a grainy, unsettling image, reveals a surprisingly fertile ground for exploring themes of isolation, paranoia, and the fragility of perception.
Backrooms is slated for release in Spanish cinemas on June 5, 2026, marking a significant date for horror fans eager to experience this adaptation of an internet phenomenon. Whether it will live up to the hype and deliver a truly terrifying experience remains to be seen, but A24’s track record suggests that this is one film to watch.