The Backrooms: A New Horror Film Inspired by an Urban Legend
A new horror film titled Backrooms has captured the attention of fans, with many expressing their fear of suffering “nightmares for weeks” after watching its trailer. The film is based on a chilling urban legend that originated from a 4Chan post, which has now been transformed into a cinematic experience.
The story follows Clark, a furniture store owner played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, who discovers a mysterious backroom in his shop that he had never noticed before. As he and his friends explore this hidden space, they begin to uncover strange phenomena that defy the laws of physics. Clark even opens up to his therapist about the unusual rooms, adding a psychological layer to the narrative.
The trailer, which has received over 18 million views on YouTube, shows the group attempting to document their findings through video recordings. However, things quickly take a dark turn when they encounter something dangerous lurking within the space.
Fans have taken to the comments section to share their reactions. One viewer wrote: “Bro I will have many nightmares of this but it will be worth it.” Another added: “I’m going to have nightmares for weeks, it’s gna be awesome.” A third person noted: “The fact that they are not only keeping the VHS aesthetic, but also the soundtrack from the webseries tells me this is going to be pure peak.”
A Unique Blend of Sci-Fi and Horror
Backrooms is a psychological sci-fi horror film based on the semi-anthological web series of the same name created by Kane Parsons. Parsons, who also wrote, produced, and directed the original iteration, returns as director for the movie. The cast includes Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor, alongside Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, Renate Reinsve, Avan Jogia, and Lukita Maxwell.
The premise of the film was inspired by a 2019 post on the infamous forum 4Chan, specifically its paranormal-themed board /x/. The post featured a photo of a sinister, empty space decorated with lurid pastel yellow wallpaper, beige carpets, and fluorescent lighting. This image became the foundation for the Backrooms phenomenon, which has since gained a cult following online.
The Devil’s Hour: A Hidden Gem in the Horror Genre
In addition to Backrooms, another horror series has recently made waves in the genre. The Devil’s Hour, a psychological thriller, has been branded a “true hidden gem” and boasts a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score. The show is now streaming for free on ITVX.
Created by Tom Moran, The Devil’s Hour follows social worker Lucy (played by Jessica Raine), who faces torment from horrifying nightmares at 3:33am each night. This time, known as the “devil’s hour,” is traditionally believed to be when supernatural beings are at their most powerful.
Former Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi plays the mysterious criminal Gideon Shepherd. The series debuted on Prime Video in 2022 and has aired two seasons so far, with a third set to release soon.
Critics have praised The Devil’s Hour for its storytelling and performances. The Guardian described it as “brilliantly done,” while Metro called it the “best British horror series in decades.” One viewer wrote: “For my money it was Jessica Raine who stole the show and made the whole thing so watchable.” Another commented: “While everyone obsesses over big-budget franchises, The Devil’s Hour quietly delivers smarter storytelling and a darker emotional punch.”
Capaldi’s portrayal of Gideon is often highlighted as a standout performance, with one fan noting: “His performance is the kind of layered, unsettling portrayal that sticks with you long after the credits roll. It’s eerie, thought-provoking, and far more inventive than most of what’s on TV right now— a true hidden gem that deserves mainstream love.”
