SPOILERS BELOW!!!
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“It’s like describing a dog to someone who’s never seen a dog, and telling them to draw it. They might get something's right, but overall, you can tell it’s not a dog.”
-Clark
Holy hell was this movie absolutely phenomenal, such an interesting movie that made my mind tick. As someone who’s been a fan of Kane Parsons (Pixels online) since 2022, I was super ecstatic to see what he has in store; especially since it's an adaptation of his web series. When I found out that he also worked on the set designs, writing, and music - I KNEW WE WERE GOING TO RECEIVE SUCH A WONDERFUL HORROR FILM.
Now, before I get into this - to the people bashing it online saying: “It makes no sense” it’s supposed to not make any sense and that's what I love about it. It's a strange, absurd, wild movie that's difficult to follow at times - and THAT'S what I love it for. It takes its own spin on the horror genre. Especially sci-fi horror. Speaking of sci-fi horror, I loved how it didn’t really focus on ASYNC too much, more on just the regular people, and had the company as a looming presence (evident with the cut outs, or the stray cameras around). Focusing on the main characters, and their own issues instead of the people who have already discovered the Backrooms.
One of the many things I enjoyed about this movie was the general cinematography. The way the audience was put into perspective of an old CTR camera (mirroring the web series which I absolutely adored), and the awkward camera angles. Where the camera is placed onto the side, or focusing on stray objects, wide open shots that make the backrooms feel so vast but claustrophobic at once. Even the colour grading mirrors how we remember memories. The vibrant, bold colours on furniture, housing, or buildings - however it feels and looks faint at the same time. I absolutely loved that.
The music was also fantastic. The mystical, vast, compelling, stressful, and tense score for this movie enhanced the overarching experience when watching. The slight off keys, or recurring motifs of phones ringing, or intense strings - MWUAH, chef kiss. Thank you Kane Parsons, and Edo Van Breemen for a glorious score.
Even the characters of both Clark and Mary, two troubled individuals struggling with their past actions. I loved how Clark wasn’t framed as a good guy as the movie continues. He’s a sad little man, with temperamental, substance issues, and a constant need to blame others for his actions. He got kicked out of his house? Blame it on his wife. Hates his job? Blames the world. Rotting in his own guilt and despair. However, on the contrary, Mary - his therapist - who has a troubled past with her family, puts on a pragmatic front to help or “fix” others. She ultimately keeps moving forward however for the betterment of herself, and others instead of staying stuck in a constant loop of pain. Even the whole diner scene in the last 30 minutes when she tells Clark who he truly is, OH MAN I LOVED THAT. The actors' performance was absolutely stupendous.
I was on the edge of my seat the entire duration of this movie, the vast sections where light stops into shadow, odd shaped corners, furniture clipping in really reinforces the idea that this place misremembers humanity. The still life, the way their bodies are shaped wrong, their lanky movements, the guttural noises or expressions they support reinforced this sense of terror in my body. Don’t get me started on Captain Clark. Jesus Christ. The way he devours Clark, his expressions, his movements - absolutely horrifying. As someone who isn’t really afraid of creatures or monsters in movies, something about Captain Clark TERRIFIED me. Had me tweaking the FUCK out in my seat.
Even the ending, how no-one, not even Mary survived and became one or a victim of the Backrooms, is absolutely phenomenal. The sharp cuts of her still life sitting - rocking in a chair. Jesus Christ. Sent utter chills down my spine, and every fiber of my being.
In conclusion, I think this is one of the most unique horror movies I’ve ever seen on the big screen. It was so different, disturbing, eerie, and mind-bending, it makes it probably one of my favourite horror films of all time. Even the little easter eggs to the community, or even the Kane Pixel’s web series on YouTube made my jaw drop. I loved it.
Go watch this movie in theatres if you haven’t already, or wait for when it comes onto streaming. Super well done - and for those who’ve enjoyed it, please go check out Kane Parsons series on YouTube.
On the side note: Another thing I’d like to point out, is that the book “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Stetson, the general story kinda reminds me of Clark to some degree. The more time he spends in the yellow wallpaper (the backrooms) the more sanity he loses. The more his true, deranged, and angry self shines. Just something I’d like to mention!
