In the realm of cinema, where imagination intertwines with reality, a select few films possess the power to captivate and haunt audiences long after the credits roll. These cinematic masterpieces, each with their unique brand of terror, challenge our perception of space, time, and existence, leaving an indelible mark on the psyche. Among these, the A24 film "Backrooms" stands out as a liminal horror masterpiece, inviting viewers into a world where the boundaries of reality blur. But what follows the footsteps of "Backrooms"? Here's a curated list of five films that delve into the eerie realms of space, time, and existence, offering a chilling companion to the A24 sensation.
Skinamarink
A micro-budget horror gem, "Skinamarink" is a nightmarish journey through the eyes of two freaked-out kids. Directed by Kyle Edward Ball, the film utilizes a minimal cast and budget to create a terrifying atmosphere. As the siblings, Lucas Paul and Dali Rose Tetreault, find themselves in a house where doors disappear and reappear, the very fabric of their reality begins to unravel. The constant buzzing static and the house's sinister transformation into a living, breathing villain make "Skinamarink" a must-watch for fans of "Backrooms."
Vivarium
Lorcan Finnegan's "Vivarium" is a deeply unsettling sci-fi thriller that explores the concept of a living arrangement gone awry. Jesse Eisenberg and Imogen Poots portray a couple, Tom and Gemma, who find themselves trapped in a complex of identical houses, Yonder. As they navigate the bizarre living situation, an unseen force introduces an infant into their care, pushing them further into a surreal and dangerous reality. The film's exploration of a trapped existence and the psychological toll it takes on the characters mirrors the unsettling nature of "Backrooms."
Lost Highway
David Lynch's surreal masterpiece, "Lost Highway," is a mind-bending horror that challenges the audience's perception of reality. Bill Pullman stars as Fred Madison, a saxophone player whose life takes a dark turn when he encounters the enigmatic Mystery Man. The film's inscrutable nature, with its frequent shifts between reality and surrealism, is a testament to Lynch's unique vision. "Backrooms" may toy with the audience's sense of existence, but "Lost Highway" has been doing it since 1997, leaving viewers with a haunting experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
The Shining
Stanley Kubrick's iconic adaptation of Stephen King's novel, "The Shining," is a horror-thriller that explores the descent into madness within the confines of a remote hotel. Jack Nicholson, as Jack Torrance, finds himself trapped in the Overlook Hotel with his family, where supernatural forces unleash their terror. The film's exploration of a space that twists and changes, mirroring the eerie rooms of "Backrooms," creates an atmosphere of constant dread. The Overlook, much like the Backrooms, is a place where the line between reality and the supernatural blurs, leaving an indelible mark on the audience.
As Above, So Below
John Erick Dowdle's "As Above, So Below" takes viewers on a thrilling journey through the Paris catacombs, a space that seems to have a life of its own. The film follows Scarlett Marlowe, played by Perdita Weeks, as she embarks on a quest for the philosopher's stone, only to find herself trapped in a shifting, haunted space. The catacombs, much like the Backrooms, are a place where the boundaries of reality are constantly challenged, creating a sense of unease and danger. These films, with their unique approaches to horror and the exploration of space, time, and existence, offer a chilling companion to the A24 sensation, "Backrooms."
