Creeping and Crawling With Mystery: WGHS Reacts to A24’s Backrooms Trailer

Back in 2019, a new “internet horror” sensation took the internet by storm: the urban legend of “The Backrooms.” As A24 announces its new film adaptation of this mysterious story, the WGHS student body shares its opinions on this new film about the internet’s favorite endless maze.
by Sabrina Cleland and Julie Bohannon

​Back in 2019, a new “internet horror” sensation took the internet by storm: the urban legend of “The Backrooms.” As A24 announces its new film adaptation of this mysterious story, the WGHS student body shares its opinions on this new film about the internet’s favorite endless maze.

After a 2019 4chan post about an alternative reality in which a person “noclips” (a term derived from gaming in which a person phases through a solid object) into what is now known as “The Backrooms,” it was no surprise that popular media flocked to this. The internet began creating endless amounts of games dealing with the surreal environment, adding different entities, levels, and more to the space. As of 2026, A24, the company behind popular horror films Hereditary and Midsommar, has released a teaser trailer for its new film. Here at Walnut Grove, a few students share their thoughts and opinions on this chilling movie adaptation.

Jace Baird (9) and Deven Lutick (10) said that the teaser trailer “looked awesome” and was “pretty cool,” respectively. Both gave insight as to how they got into the urban legend. Jace said, “I've played a bunch of games about it and it just looks good.” Deven noted as well, “I watched a lot of it when I was a kid.” The two mentioned what they were most excited for in this movie: “...it’s based on the creator and not the fandom,” said Jace. As for Deven, she wonders if “the monsters are all related.”

The movie has been highly anticipated by many, so some students shared how they got invested in the Backrooms itself. "My friends and I would play VR backroom games, so I grew up with it," Ty Ferguson (9) stated. "I've also seen some edits on TikTok about the movie." Another thing mentioned was its popularity. Molly Damien (10) disclosed, "I've heard people talking about it and I've always kind of been invested, so I can't wait to watch the movie." The trailer was an effective way to tease the movie to its audience. It has resulted in edits on social media, different games about the lore, and a huge fanbase.

With fans on the edge of their seats, some theories and hopes for the film have been stirring up. Ty stated, "I expect it'll actually be scary, so I hope it has a good horror factor—but also just a good unknowingness part represented and nailing how lonely the Backrooms really are." Some people are even excited to see the different designs of the different levels, like Molly mentioned. It's safe to say the audience is captivated.

With so much anticipation for the newest sensation of the beloved genre, fans across the globe wait with bated breath for the newest arrival to the repertoire of modern urban horror legends. Who knows? Maybe when the movie releases, some may even “noclip” right through the screen into the theaters.