American Horror Stories: Backrooms, explaining the concept and ending

As a seasoned gamer and horror enthusiast who’s navigated countless digital realms, I must say the latest installment of American Horror Stories has sent chills down my spine like no other. The Backrooms episode has plunged me into an abyss of existential dread that even the darkest corners of Silent Hill couldn’t fathom.

During Hulu’s yearly “Huluween” celebration, Hulu has debuted five fresh episodes for the spinoff series American Horror Stories. The opening episode showcases Michael Imperioli as a prestigious screenwriter grappling with the aftermath of his son’s tragic death, named Roman.

As a devoted fan, I find myself frequently exploring desolate rooms, much like deserted supermarkets, that Daniel Imperioli seems drawn to. In my quest, I stumbled upon an individual named Eli (Matthew Maher) online, who’s been recording these eerie spaces, remarkably similar to the ones Daniel has encountered.

Currently incarcerated, Daniel pays a visit to Eli who shares his intriguing discovery of the “Backrooms”. Eli admitted that he was involved in a car accident which resulted in the loss of a cyclist’s life. He was on his phone at the time and hit the woman, but falsely reported to the police that she had run a stop sign. This deception haunted him, driving him to disassociate from his guilt, making it simpler for him to cross over into the Backrooms. It wasn’t until he confessed the truth that he managed to free himself, though this admission led to his imprisonment.

What are the Backrooms?

A majority of individuals who spend time online have come across the idea of ‘The Backrooms’. This term has been circulating for quite some time, with reports tracing it back to a post made on 4chan in 2019, according to Vice.

Initially, this concept gained traction and has since become an integral piece of the internet’s extensive folklore, much like other internet tales such as Slenderman. Nowadays, there are numerous subreddits focused on the Backrooms, along with a series of YouTube shorts, at least one video game adaptation, and a forthcoming film by A24.

The concept of the Backrooms arises from a strange sensation experienced when encountering empty rooms or areas that trigger an unsettling sensation, reminiscent of the uncanny valley and discomfort. These zones are often labeled as “liminal spaces,” typically characterized by their transitional nature. For instance, spaces like airports, hallways, and places that serve solely to move you from one spot to another fall under this category. Even abandoned locations such as old shopping centers or deserted strip malls can fit the bill, much like in the movie Skinamarink.

What happens to Daniel?

The story gradually unveils that Daniel tragically killed his son, hid the body afterwards. When the police discover CCTV footage implicating Daniel, they send a SWAT team to apprehend him at home. However, Daniel denies any wrongdoing and instead brandishes a firearm at the officers. This altercation escalates into a gunfight, leading to Daniel’s assumed demise and his fated journey to the Backrooms—a place symbolizing his personal hell.

Previously in the show, Daniel discusses that hell is a notion we humans have shaped and constructed. Thus, in essence, he has set himself up for eternal suffering. It’s quite symbolic, then, that the episode concludes with Daniel finding himself stranded in a transitional area, often referred to as a liminal space. In this place, Daniel is told to wait with a number – an 18-digit one, which implies it belongs to the quintillions.

For perspective, the ticker on the wall says they’re only serving person number 1. He’s never leaving that room. He will be stuck in that “Backroom” for eternity. I’m sure even jail would be preferable to that kind of existential torment.

All five new episodes of American Horror Stories are now available on Hulu as part of season 3B.

2024-10-15 23:25

Charter cuts jobs, programs on Dodgers and Lakers channels

Rocker Jake E. Lee shot multiple times in Las Vegas, expected to fully recover, rep says