Ep 13. "Backrooms" Fan Theory / "The Exorcist"

In the thrilling thirteenth episode of season 7 of Film Theory, titled Backrooms Fan Theory / The Exorcist, host MatPat delves into the fascinating and unsettling world of horror cinema, merging the eerie concepts of the Backrooms phenomenon with the chilling lore of one of the most iconic horror films, The Exorcist. As he masterfully intertwines these two seemingly disparate subjects, viewers are in for an intellectual exploration that challenges perceptions of fear and reality in the film medium.

The episode begins by setting the stage for the Backrooms, an internet-born urban legend that evokes feelings of dread and the uncanny. MatPat describes the Backrooms as a seemingly infinite maze of monotonous, yellow-tinted office space, filled with the ambient sounds of buzzing fluorescent lights and an overwhelming sense of isolation. This description serves to establish the atmosphere of entrapment and fear of the unknown that characterizes the Backrooms experience, as well as how this concept taps into deep-seated psychological fears related to the human experience of being lost and alone in an alien environment.

As MatPat segues into discussing The Exorcist, he takes a refreshing angle by examining its thematic connections to the fears encapsulated in the Backrooms. The Exorcist, known for its exploration of possession, spiritual warfare, and the loss of control, resonates with the existential dread found in being trapped in the Backrooms. MatPat draws parallels between the film’s atmospheric and psychological terror and the claustrophobic anxiety induced by the Backrooms, suggesting that both constructs highlight humanity's struggle against forces beyond comprehension—whether they be demonic entities or the vast, disconcerting void of an endless maze.

Throughout the episode, MatPat enriches the discussion by exploring key sequences from The Exorcist, carefully analyzing how the film crafts its horror through slow-building tension, unsuspecting imagery, and the manipulation of sound. He illustrates how these elements intersect with the unsettling ambiance of the Backrooms, prompting viewers to contemplate how both horror experiences foster feelings of helplessness and fear of the uncanny. By interspersing clips and fan theories surrounding both phenomena, MatPat creates a compelling narrative that engages fans of horror, inviting them to critically analyze what truly constitutes fear in a cinematic context.

The episode also delves into fan theories surrounding the Backrooms universe and its core concepts, including the iconic “You can’t escape” mantra, which MatPat relates to the sense of entrapment that pervades The Exorcist. He discusses how these theories not only amplify the lore of the Backrooms, creating an expansive mythology for fans to explore, but also serve as a lens through which to view the psychological dimensions of fear portrayed in horror films. By weaving in audience interpretations and engagement with the material, MatPat encourages viewers to think deeply about the layers of meaning embedded within both the Backrooms and The Exorcist.

As the episode progresses, MatPat invites the audience to consider the implications of control versus chaos, delving into the character arcs in The Exorcist—such as Regan's possession and the subsequent struggle for her soul. He draws compelling correlations between her battle against the forces haunting her and the existential dread faced by individuals navigating the ominous corridors of the Backrooms. The analysis elevates the discussion from mere entertainment into a profound investigation into the nature of fear, control, and the metaphysical questions that arise in horror narratives.

The production value of the episode is heightened by vivid graphics, unsettling sound design, and a pace that keeps viewers engaged. MatPat’s charismatic and enthusiastic delivery ensures that audiences stay on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating each revelation as he reveals new insights and connections that may not have been previously considered. The editing cleverly juxtaposes various visual and auditory elements from both the Backrooms and The Exorcist, creating an atmosphere that immerses the viewer in the eerie experience.

By the conclusion of the episode, viewers are left contemplating the vastness of horror in both our real-life fears and the constructed realities of screens. MatPat successfully crafts a narrative that not only entertains but also educates, encouraging fans to look beyond mere jump scares and into the darker recesses of what it means to confront the unknown. With its blend of analysis, humor, and engaging fan interaction, this episode of Film Theory promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of one of the most pervasive elements of horror: the fear of being trapped, whether in a room or within one's own psyche.