Critics Question Narrative Logic in 'Backrooms' Film

The horror film “Backrooms,” an adaptation of a viral internet meme, features an unexplained phone call that critics say undermines its narrative logic.

This critique highlights the difficulty of translating abstract, community-driven internet lore into a structured cinematic experience. Because the original meme relies on atmospheric dread rather than plot, the film's attempt to introduce traditional storytelling elements has created friction for some reviewers.

Directed by Kane Parsons and starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, the film was produced by A24 in the U.S. ^[1]. The project sought to bring the concept of liminal horror spaces to the big screen, focusing on the eerie nature of empty, repetitive interiors ^[1].

One specific point of contention among critics is a phone call within the movie that lacks sufficient explanation. Reviewers said this moment represents a breakdown in the film's internal logic, potentially distracting from the tension of the environment. The film was released in 2024 ^[1].

Despite these narrative concerns, some critics have praised the film's atmosphere. An IGN reviewer said, "The reputation of the Backrooms precedes it, and with good reason." The film continues to explore the question of what evil lurks in the drabbest of interiors ^[1].

Parsons, who directed the project, aimed to capture the specific unsettling quality of the meme's source material. However, the transition from short-form viral content to a feature-length movie requires a level of exposition that the original internet phenomenon never needed. This gap has left some audience members and critics questioning the coherence of the script.