Backrooms (2026)

Movie · 2026 · Horror, Mystery, Science Fiction · 1h 51m · R · English

Curator score: 5.1/10 (1.7M ratings)

You are not supposed to be here.

Overview

A strange doorway appears in the basement of a furniture showroom.

Ratings

Director

Kane Parsons

Production

Atomic Monster, 21 Laps Entertainment, A24, Phobos, The North Road Company

Cast

Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, Lukita Maxwell, Avan Jogia, Robert Bobroczkyi, Ember Ambrose, Krista Kosonen, Philip Granger, Katharine Isabelle, Peter New, Sarah Hayward, Natalie Moon, Calix Fraser, Sawyer Fraser, Patrick Baynham, Rhiannon Roberts, Dana Mahmood, Matthew Patrick Savage

Curator Review

Verdict

While 'Backrooms' offers intriguing horror elements and a unique atmosphere, its execution may not resonate with all viewers. The film's exploration of liminal spaces and psychological horror is compelling, but it might leave some feeling disconnected or confused.

Best for

  • fans of psychological horror
  • viewers interested in unique storytelling
  • those who enjoy atmospheric tension

Skip if

  • you prefer straightforward narratives
  • you dislike experimental horror films
  • you are uncomfortable with ambiguous endings

Overview

In 'Backrooms', the eerie concept of liminal spaces is brought to life through a blend of horror and mystery. The film's setting—a furniture showroom basement—serves as a haunting backdrop that amplifies the sense of unease. Viewers are invited into a world where reality blurs, and the familiar becomes unsettling. The film's strengths lie in its ability to create a suffocating atmosphere, drawing on psychological horror elements that keep audiences on edge.

Worth noting

However, the film's abstract nature may alienate some viewers. While the first half builds tension through uncertainty, it can feel slow and meandering. The striking visual moments and innovative scenes are commendable, yet they might not fully compensate for the narrative's lack of clarity. 'Backrooms' is a bold attempt at redefining horror, but it walks a fine line between intrigue and confusion, making it a polarizing experience for audiences.

Top Letterboxd reviews

-ˏˋ mak ˊˎ- (4★) · 65665 likes

white boys are wearing crop tops in horror movies again god bless

lia (3★) · 57636 likes

describing this movie is like trying to describe a dog to someone who’s never seen one before

Yashley (4★) · 46635 likes

They should just map the backrooms using Strava

itscharlibb · 41503 likes

kind of i think im gonna die in this house vibes ?

starstruck (3★) · 37273 likes

the only time retail workers actually went and checked the back

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Topics

horror, mystery, psychological, atmospheric, suspense, experimental

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