A new poster for the anticipated liminal horror film The Backrooms has sparked widespread discussion online due to its stark minimalist design. While many viewers expressed confusion, fans familiar with the film’s eerie roots embraced its haunting aesthetic, rooted in internet folklore. The design has set the stage for a unique interpretation of the film’s unsettling concept, though some critics argue that the lack of imagery may be too extreme.
The Backrooms draws inspiration from an urban legend that has captivated internet users, often referred to as creepypasta. This legend describes an expansive liminal space characterized by its monotonous yellow wallpaper, the musty scent of damp carpet, and the persistent buzz of fluorescent lights. This unsettling myth has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, fostering a dedicated community on Reddit, r/backrooms.
The new poster pays homage to this chilling narrative by perfectly encapsulating its disquieting emptiness. Featuring a sickly yellow hue along with a banal yet unsettling wallpaper pattern, the design evokes an atmosphere of discomfort that aligns with the original mythos. However, for casual viewers, the lack of visual elements led to mixed reactions. Comments on social media ranged from confusion—"Did you forget to put the image?"—to intrigue, with one user stating, "not me waiting for it to load fully. What an interesting poster."
As horror movie posters increasingly lean towards minimalism, The Backrooms poster serves as a testament to the genre’s evolving design trends, compelling discussions about creativity versus discernibility. For those intrigued by unusual poster designs, it’s worth exploring the new Obsession poster, which raises similar questions about the fine line between minimalist art and simplicity.
