The concept of 'Backrooms' is a chilling exploration of architectural horror, and its impact on the human psyche is profound. This phenomenon, which has captured the imagination of many, is a fascinating blend of the mundane and the eerie, creating an unsettling atmosphere that resonates deeply.
The Birth of Backrooms
Backrooms, a creation of Kane Parsons, emerged from the depths of online fandom and has since evolved into a full-length film. The story revolves around the discovery of a mysterious realm, accessible through a portal in the basement of a furniture store. This liminal space, as Parsons describes it, is a remnant of advanced modernism, a 'junkspace' devoid of historical or relational significance.
Liminal Spaces and Their Impact
Liminal spaces, as defined by philosopher Mark Auge, are non-places that exist in-between, often left behind by the world. They are the leftovers of urban modernization, places like airports, supermarkets, and malls, which, when they cease to function, become even more estranged and devoid of human traces. The concept is intriguing, as it highlights the absence and the dissolution of 'place' in our modern world.
The Horror of the Everyday
What makes Backrooms particularly fascinating is its ability to turn the ordinary into something terrifying. The drop ceilings, the fluorescent lighting, and the bureaucratic sterility all contribute to a sense of unease. This is a world where the rules are unclear, and the entities that govern it remain a mystery. Is it a government operation, interdimensional beings, or something more mundane? The film leaves us questioning the nature of this strange world.
A Reflection of Our World
Backrooms can be seen as a reflection of our rapidly dehumanized built environment. As Juhani Pallasmaa notes, architecture leads our imagination to another reality. In this case, it's a reality that explores the institutional uncanny, a term coined by Damjan Jovanovic to describe the banality of everyday life brought into being by paperwork and protocols rather than stories.
The Power of Visuals
Visually, Backrooms is a masterpiece. The endless replication of fluorescent-lit rooms, the confusing mental maps, and the absence of clear governance all contribute to a sense of suspense and confusion. It's a world that feels both familiar and alien, and that's where its horror lies.
A Journey into the Unknown
As we follow Clark's journey into the depths of the backrooms, we are taken on a palpable adventure. The film continues the long-standing relationship between horror and architecture, but with a unique twist. It's a reminder that the everyday can be just as terrifying as the unknown, and that's what makes Backrooms such a compelling and thought-provoking experience.
