There seems to be a bounce-back in attendance at Southern California shopping malls, likely influenced by the unexpected popularity of the horror film “Back Rooms.”
The Puente Hills Mall in Los Angeles, much like many other shopping centers that have suffered due to the rise of online shopping, is seeing a resurgence of visitors. It had once thrived, but has become eerily quiet over the years.
However, this nearly deserted mall has become an intriguing spot for fans, where they can immerse themselves in the chilling atmosphere akin to that of the psychological thriller.
Following the film’s release, crowds have flocked to AMC theaters within these malls, sharing spooky videos and pictures across social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, creating a personal thrill for their followers.
One TikTok user noted, “This mall was once bustling in the San Gabriel Valley, but now it’s dim, hollow, with abandoned storefronts and silent corridors that echo the past.”
The film “Back Room” effectively uses deserted spaces like empty offices and dimly lit hallways to create what’s known as liminal spaces—those in-between locations that evoke feelings of nostalgia or eeriness.
“AMC seems to be breathin’ some life back into this place, and it was absolutely the right venue to watch ‘Back Rooms,'” shared one viewer.
The mall is also intertwined with cinematic history, famously depicted as the “Twin Pines Mall” in the classic 1985 movie “Back to the Future.” Key scenes include Doc Brown showcasing his time machine while Marty McFly escapes a chase in a DeLorean, accidentally traveling back to 1955.
Kane Parsons, the 20-year-old creator behind the surprise hit “Back Rooms,” which raked in $118 million this weekend, is a former YouTuber residing in a quiet suburban neighborhood.
