From Internet Creepypasta to the Big Screen: How Portal Inspired the Backrooms Movie
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
As A24 releases the Backrooms movie directed by Kane Parsons, Polygon explores the film's deep roots in gaming culture, specifically Valve's Portal series, alongside a new trivia quiz for fans.
The Backrooms phenomenon has officially made the leap from internet forums to the silver screen. Directed by Blender wunderkind Kane Parsons in partnership with A24, the debut film brings those familiar and unsettling liminal spaces to life in a way that resonates deeply with digital natives. To celebrate the release, the team over at Polygon has put together a four-question trivia challenge to test how well audiences actually know the lore behind Parsons' specific vision compared to the sea of internet imitators.
What makes this adaptation particularly fascinating for the gaming community is the director's background. Parsons grew up not just on traditional cinema, but on genre-defining games from the 2000s. In recent interviews, he has pointed directly to Valve's Portal and Portal 2 as the foundational influences on his creative worldview. From the oppressive yet absurd corporate atmosphere to the decaying, labyrinthine interiors that stretch on in every direction, the DNA of Aperture Science is baked right into the Backrooms aesthetic.
For players who spent their formative years getting lost in custom maps, Source engine mods, and internet mysteries, seeing those specific spatial tropes translate to a major theatrical release feels like a massive win. It highlights how contemporary creators bridge the gap between interactive media and traditional film. If you want to see where you stand on the lore of endless yellow hallways, you can head over to Polygon to test your knowledge against the definitive cinematic take on the internet's favorite urban legend.
Source: Polygon
Tags: Backrooms, Gaming Culture, Portal, A24, Horror
Original article: Polygon