American Horror Stories Season 4: ‘Backrooms’ Ending, Explained

American Horror Stories Season 4: 'Backrooms' Ending, Explained

As a dedicated horror fan who’s been through countless chilling tales, I must say that American Horror Stories season 4 has truly outdone itself with the captivating episode “Backrooms”. This spin-off series is already on my must-watch list alongside Mike Flanagan’s masterpieces like The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass.


In addition to Mike Flanagan’s “The Haunting of Hill House” and “Midnight Mass”, as well as Ryan Murphy’s “American Horror Story”, horror enthusiasts hunting for chilling TV series should definitely give it a watch. The fourth season of “American Horror Stories”, titled “American Horror Stories Season 4“, debuted on Hulu on October 15th, 2024 during Huluween, and presents five spine-tingling episodes that delve into nightmares, monsters, and the unsettling world between nightmares and reality. Each episode boasts an impressive cast and captivating plotlines, but it’s important to note that the first episode, “Backrooms”, offers a particularly intriguing storyline.

In the latest installment, Michael Imperioli portrays Daniel, a divorced screenwriter who’s fixated on success and wealth, and is heartbroken over his missing son, Roman (Matthew Eby). The “Backrooms” episode from American Horror Stories offers a gripping and startling tale with an unexpected climax that will satisfy fans of the spinoff series.

What Happens At The End Of The American Horror Stories Season 4 Episode “Backrooms”?

American Horror Stories Season 4: 'Backrooms' Ending, Explained

After pondering why he repeatedly found himself in various unusual locations, from a deserted supermarket to a string of rooms with green walls, Daniel comes across Eli (Matthew Maher), a man who shares content about transitional environments online. In one of his videos, Eli invites anyone who has gone through the same thing as him to reach out. Daniel and Eli engage in conversation within the confines of a prison, where Eli is currently incarcerated due to running over and fatally hitting an innocent woman. Eli discloses that he fabricated the details of the incident, which led him into “liminal areas,” frightening places that exist between reality and dreams.

Previously ensconced in his grand estate, the authorities apprehend Daniel for the heinous crime of murdering his own son. It soon transpires that Daniel was the sinister antagonist all along. In a tragic turn of events, Daniel fires at a police officer who subsequently returns fire, fatally wounding Daniel. In an eerie twist, Daniel finds himself in a limbo-like realm where he must wait, seemingly for eternity, until his turn comes up. This grim conclusion is fitting retribution for one who has taken the life of their own child, leaving no room for question. The finale of American Horror Stories season 4 episode one, “Backrooms,” carries the same spine-chilling intensity as every moment in the terrifying episode “Bestie.

1) This conclusion is powerful because it brings about justice for Daniel, who truly earned it. Additionally, it symbolizes heaven and hell as a prolonged waiting area, implying that this final destination is another transitional or in-between space. Notably, Imperioli, known for his role in ‘The White Lotus’ season 2 as yet another arrogant and dislikable character, offers an intense portrayal. For most of the episode, he manages to convince viewers that he’s clueless about the situation. However, it is revealed later that he has been hiding his memories all along.

In the same vein as other American Horror Stories episodes, “Backrooms” offers numerous plot twists and a character, Daniel, who navigates morally murky waters throughout the narrative. Despite many viewers possibly predicting the truth behind Daniel’s son’s fate, the disclosure remains somewhat shocking. Though we’re left without much insight into Daniel’s motives for his horrific actions, this twist still resonates. Viewers can easily accept Daniel as the story’s antagonist and find fulfillment in his lack of a happy resolution.

What Are The Backrooms Referenced In American Horror Stories?

American Horror Stories Season 4: 'Backrooms' Ending, Explained

The idea known as ‘The Backrooms’ is indeed a genuine concept that has caught attention, especially after an episode on American Horror Stories was dedicated to it. As per ABC News, this intriguing notion first surfaced on the forum 4Chan in the year 2019. A Backroom can be thought of as a transitional space between life and death. Kane Parsons, who created a short film titled The Backrooms as well as a web series called Backrooms, is currently working on a movie to be distributed by A24, as reported by Deadline. In these productions, the Backrooms are portrayed as a collection of rooms with green walls, similar to what was depicted in American Horror Stories’ ‘Backrooms’ episode.

In an interview with Dazed Digital, Parsons said of his work:

The tale in question isn’t based on footage or video content, instead it ventures into uncharted territories with new characters and themes I haven’t previously delved into. It’s not something I associate with internet trends or memes; rather, it’s a narrative that genuinely resonates with me, populated by characters I genuinely feel attached to.

For quite some time now, Creepypasta has been captivating audiences and leaving a significant mark on pop culture. One such instance can be seen in the TV series Channel Zero, which draws inspiration from these chilling tales. What makes The Backrooms stand out is that though they have a general image in people’s minds, there exists an enigmatic quality about them. Since it’s more of a concept than a concrete story, creators are afforded the freedom to let their imaginations run wild and explore the depths of this mysterious realm.

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2024-10-25 01:05