The “Backrooms” horror phenomenon has transitioned from an internet creepypasta to a cinematic focus, as filmmakers adapt the concept of “liminal spaces” into feature-length psychological thrillers. These stories center on the fear of endless, repetitive architectural environments—specifically yellow-walled offices and fluorescent lights—that trigger a sense of uncanny familiarity and dread.
The Rise of Liminal Space Horror
The Backrooms originated as a viral image and subsequent writing prompt on 4chan in 2019, which described a dimension consisting of randomly generated office rooms. According to Know Your Meme, the concept relies on “liminality,” the psychological state of being in a transitional space that feels wrong because it is devoid of its intended purpose or people.
This aesthetic shifted from static images to short-form video, most notably through Kane Pixels on YouTube. Pixels’ series, which began in 2022, transformed the meme into a structured narrative involving a fictional research organization called ASYNC. The series garnered hundreds of millions of views, proving that the “analog horror” style—characterized by low-quality VHS footage and industrial dread—had massive commercial appeal.
From Viral Shorts to Feature Films
The transition to the big screen is led by a deal between Kane Pixels and A24. In 2023, A24 announced it would produce a full-length feature film based on the Backrooms, with Pixels serving as writer and director. This move reflects a broader industry trend where studios mine digital folklore and “creepypastas” for intellectual property, similar to the trajectory of Five Nights at Freddy’s.
Unlike traditional jump-scare horror, Backrooms-inspired cinema focuses on atmospheric tension. The horror is derived from the environment itself—the humming of lights and the impossible geometry of the rooms—rather than a central monster, although “entities” often haunt the periphery of the frame to maintain a sense of pursuit.
Comparison: Traditional Horror vs. Liminal Horror
| Feature | Traditional Slasher/Supernatural | Liminal/Backrooms Horror |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Threat | Named antagonist (e.g., Ghost, Killer) | The environment and isolation |
| Visual Style | High contrast, cinematic lighting | Analog, VHS, washed-out yellow tones |
| Core Fear | Death or physical harm | Existential dread and disorientation |
Why the ‘Backrooms’ Aesthetic Resonates
Psychologists and cultural critics point to “anemoia”—nostalgia for a time one has never known—as a driver for the Backrooms’ popularity. The imagery evokes 1980s and 90s corporate architecture, which feels familiar to many viewers but is stripped of human presence. This creates a cognitive dissonance that the horror genre exploits to produce anxiety.
The trend also aligns with the growth of “found footage” 2.0. While the early 2000s focused on handheld cameras (like Blair Witch Project), the new wave of liminal horror uses digital artifacts and corporate training-video aesthetics to make the fictional world feel like a leaked government secret.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are the Backrooms?
The Backrooms is a fictional urban legend about an alternate dimension of endless, randomly generated office rooms with yellow wallpaper and buzzing fluorescent lights.
Who is creating the Backrooms movie?
A24 is producing the feature film, with original YouTube creator Kane Pixels directing and writing the project.
What is a ‘liminal space’?
A liminal space is a place of transition, such as a hallway, airport lounge, or empty parking lot, that feels eerie when it is empty of the people who normally occupy it.
As A24 prepares its official release, the Backrooms represent a shift in how horror is developed, moving away from studio-driven scripts toward community-curated internet myths. The success of this project will likely signal a new era of “internet-native” cinema where the audience helps build the lore long before the cameras start rolling.
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