Spoilers already get lost taking the trash out.

Back in January 2022, Kane Parsons took inspiration from a 2019 creepypasta to create an online web series centered about a seemingly infinite indoor complex that is almost empty. Now, if you’re familiar with those videos, you might think I just gave the whole thing away. But if you have never heard about it, this literally explains nothing. You cannot be explained what they are, you can only experience it.

(Credit: A24)

Backrooms (2026) is directed by Kane Parsons, based on his own web series. Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor), is a frustrated recently divorced man. He owns a furnitore store that is slowly sinking. He’s still trying to figure out his life in weekly sessions with his therapist, Mary (Renate Reinsve). One night he discovers something in his store’s basement that leads him to an extradimensional space that seems to go on forever.

In this full feature installment, what we get is a more nuanced, a bit more grounded take to the entire concept. To start with, we need characters that can sell the concept, and I can’t think of anybody more talented than Ejiofor to sell this premise. The story does start by introducing us to Clark with occasional shifts to Mary, showing us how the point of view eventually will switch to her. That being said, Ejiofor is the one that introduces us to the core concept and later on (brace yourself) comes up with an explanation of sorts.

It works for me. I can see how some audiences might not be able to wrap their heads around the concept or simply will tune out. It does require a bit of a niche audience to be sold the premise, but the characters are engaging enough. I don’t think that you could get an ending that satisfies all crowds, but I found it decent enough. Your mileage might vary.

Highly recommended for people that are into the lore, but it might be a hard pass for the more casual crowd. Definitely a unique concept, and one that you’ll only find entertaining if you’re into it. Worth a watch for the fans of creepypasta. More than likely if you’re not familiar with it already, you will get lost.

That will do for now.