138 - Backrooms

In this episode, I dive into Kane Parsons' horror film Backrooms, a cinematic expansion of the popular YouTube series. I explore its themes, filmmaking techniques, box office success, and the emotional undercurrents that make it a unique experience in modern horror. I Cover: The film's origins from Parsons' YouTube series and his early success as a young filmmaker The thematic focus on trauma, emotional isolation, and the metaphorical 'backrooms' as representing personal baggage Key production details: cinematography by Jeremy Cox, score by Kane Parsons and Edo Van Breemen, and practical environment building The narrative structure, character arcs, and the bait-and-switch ending The film’s box office milestone as one of the biggest opening weekends for an original horror film How the found footage style enhances atmosphere and scares The film's strengths in atmosphere, world-building, and performances, versus its narrative shortcomings The importance of atmosphere over jump scares and traditional narrative in creating horror Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Backrooms and Kane Parsons' YouTube origins02:27 - Behind-the-scenes details and creative team06:52 - Themes of trauma and emotional baggage in the film10:03 - Box office success and industry impact12:56 - Parsons' approach to atmosphere and world-building16:47 - Critique of narrative and ending choices20:00 - Character developments: Clark and Dr. Klein26:34 - The deeper exploration of the backrooms environment31:20 - Emotional resolution and character confrontations34:55 - Final thoughts on strengths, weaknesses, and aesthetic value Additional Notes: The film's found footage style is a highlight, adding authenticity and tension. Fans of atmospheric horror will find much to enjoy. Despite narrative flaws, Backrooms stands out for its immersive environment, visual style, and psychological depth. For further insights, follow us for more reviews and deep dives into emerging horror cinema. Follow me: Instagram Letterboxd