I went into A24's $400 million horror hit 'Backrooms' knowing nothing. That might be the best way to watch it on HBO Max

A24's biggest film yet, the surreal horror film Backrooms, is now available on HBO Max. This summer saw theaters at their busiest since the pandemic, thanks to hits like Backrooms, Obsession, and The Odyssey. The movie's eerie concept emerged from an unsettling image of an empty department store online, which quickly gained traction on the internet, spawning numerous videos, games, and theories about what lurks in those yellowed hallways.

After the disappointing 2018 Slender Man, I wasn't expecting much from another adaptation of internet lore. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Director Kane Parsons' artistry and vision are truly impressive. The film's composition alone warranted a second viewing in theaters. Now that it's on HBO Max, I'm excited for even more people to experience this bizarre and delightfully weird horror movie.

There's no prior knowledge needed to enjoy it, as I discovered when I went in with no prior understanding of the concept. Backrooms follows Clark, a divorced furniture store owner who, after uncovering a hidden doorway in his store's basement, finds himself navigating an endless network of interconnected rooms that defy logic and physics.

His discovery leads to obsession, and he soon realizes he's not alone in this strange world. His therapist, Mary, also ventures into the same terrifying labyrinth, only to find herself confronted by a sinister presence. While the film doesn't spoon-feed viewers every detail, the lack of explicit answers only adds to the eerie atmosphere.

If you're ready to immerse yourself in the unsettling and thought-provoking narrative, Backrooms promises to deliver a truly chilling experience.