NOT another streaming Movie - Backrooms

I had no idea what to expect when I stepped into the cinema to watch Backrooms, for it's opening weekend.

It's part, science fiction, part psychological horror film, directed and co-scored by Kane Parsons (in his feature-length directorial debut).

Based on Parsons' web series and inspired by the Backrooms creepypasta. The film sees Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a furniture store owner and his therapist, Mary (Renate Reinsve), discover a dimension of seemingly endless liminal spaces accessed through the basement of the store.

Also featured in the small cast, Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, & Shrinking star Lukita Maxwell.

Backrooms has received positive reviews from critics, with most praising Parsons' direction.

It is unsettling, fresh and a new type of horror. It also appears they are looking to expand the Backrooms universe.

Chiwetel Ejiofor is excellent as the lead slightly losing his mind. He brings therapist, Renate Reinsve into this decent into madness.

The random spaces create this eerie parallel universe, which allows the viewer to see how scared they will get, with the absence of jump scares and bumps in the night. Which we have seen a lot of this year. With Scary Movie 6 landing next week, 2026 is not finished with horror, just yet.

I enjoyed this, was a little lost, was a little tired on Friday night. But this again was a popular Friday session with the cinema at 9pm (following the conclusion of my 7pm session) a buzz with youth, rediscovering the magic of cinema.

I will give this fresh take on horror 3 stars.