The director behind the recent horror sensation 'Backrooms' has revealed that the film's unique and unsettling atmosphere was heavily inspired by Valve's critically acclaimed video game, 'Portal'. The admission offers an intriguing insight into the creative genesis of a movie that has captivated audiences with its distinctive blend of psychological horror and liminal spaces.
'Portal', first released in 2007, is celebrated for its innovative puzzle mechanics, dark humour, and minimalist, sterile environments. Players navigate a series of test chambers using a 'portal gun' to create inter-spatial wormholes, often leading to a profound sense of disorientation and isolation. This aesthetic and thematic influence appears to have resonated deeply with the 'Backrooms' director, shaping the film's visual language and its exploration of endless, forgotten architectural spaces.
The 'Backrooms' phenomenon itself originated as an internet creepypasta, a form of horror-related legend or image that is copied and pasted across the internet. It typically depicts an endless maze of empty rooms, often with a yellowed wallpaper, fluorescent lighting, and the hum of machinery. The concept taps into a collective sense of unease associated with liminal spaces – transitional areas that are often devoid of human presence, such as empty corridors, deserted shopping centres, or the eponymous 'backrooms' of buildings.
The film adaptation has successfully translated this internet lore into a cinematic experience, earning praise for its ability to evoke dread through atmosphere rather than overt jump scares. The director's acknowledgement of 'Portal' as an influence highlights a growing trend of cross-pollination between the video game industry and filmmaking, where interactive narratives and unique visual styles from games are increasingly inspiring mainstream cinema. 'Portal' is available to play on various platforms, including PC via Steam, and on older console generations.
While 'Backrooms' has yet to receive significant UK industry recognition such as BAFTA nominations, its critical reception and fan engagement suggest a burgeoning influence within the horror genre. The film's success underscores the power of internet culture to spawn compelling narratives that resonate with broader audiences, demonstrating how digital folklore can be effectively adapted for the big screen.