Backrooms

Backrooms: After a therapist’s patient disappears into a dimension beyond reality, she must venture into the unknown to save him.

Introduction

I. Have. No. Words. A24 have done it again! Delivered one of the best anxiety-inducing horror film I’ve seen in 2026. I went in blind, like I usually do, not having read the synopsis, at first I thought it was the backrooms of some production company, but the intro alone slapped me on the face and proved me wrong. Directed by Kane Parsons and distributed by A24.

“Clark’s mental health quickly unravels as he becomes obsessed with the eerie wasteland. He drags his assistant manager (Kat), Kat’s boyfriend (Bobby), and eventually his therapist (Dr. Mary Kline) down into the bizarre alternate reality. Inside, they discover evidence that the corporation “Async” originally opened a portal to this space.”

Characters

Chiwetel Ejiofor (as Clark) delivered one of his best performances yet. It will definitely leave a lasting memory in my book. The horror, the depression, the anxiety, the terror and desperation was written all over his face. A masterful craftsman.

Renate Reinsve (as Dr. Mary Kline) was a perfect pair for Ejiofor’s character. Hers was a more mellow version of showing terror. Mellow and yet the horror lingers, clutches your throat, suffocating, and never letting go.

Themes

Backrooms isn’t your typical horror with petty jump scares or paranormal happenings, it goes much deeper than that. The film tackles themes of being alone, depression, existential dread (do you even matter?), and psychological trauma.

Low Budget Goodness

With a modest budget of under $10 million, the film has already grossed over $210 million globally, and for good reason. The film doesn’t dwell on putting too much CGI on scenes, the horror that viewers feel are mostly anxiety, you feel like something is, but isn’t there. And I’m all for it.

Award Winning Score

The best element in Backrooms is the score. The music is the one driving the bus, with us in the backseat, but with blindfolds on. Soft turns turn into sharp ones. An emotional rollercoaster, all with the power of sound. And yes, I’d buy a vinyl of it in a heartbeat.

Show More, Tell Less

Is the phrase I stand by with in viewing films. Let the audience bicker with each other—let them fight for their own interpretation, it sparks conversation and forms camaraderie among friends. Let. Us. Think.

Final Thoughts

Backrooms will definitely be on my top 5 of horror films released this year. Its not your typical jump scare horror, it creeps up on you, touches your shoulder, whispers in your ear, feel its cold breathe, yet when you look, nothing’s there. This is not for you if you’re looking for Conjuring-Insidious kind of horror. Highly recommended. Midsommar is another one from A24 that I recommend.