In A24's horror film 'Backrooms', Chiwetel Ejiofor portrays Clark, a failed architect who finds himself lost in an endless maze of yellow-tinted rooms and eerie sounds, symbolizing the pervasive anxieties of modern life. The film, inspired by an internet urban legend, delves into themes of economic instability, social isolation, and the haunting feeling of being trapped in a reality that fails to meet expectations. Clark's descent into the Backrooms mirrors the experiences of many who feel underemployed and locked out of fulfilling careers despite their qualifications. This sense of 'claustropolitanism', a term coined by social theorist Steve Redhead, encapsulates the frustration of being a 'locked citizen' in a high-pressure economy. As Clark navigates this surreal environment, his growing resentment and misplaced anger towards those around him reveal a deeper commentary on how societal pressures can distort personal relationships. Ultimately, 'Backrooms' serves as a cautionary tale about the horrors of a life constrained by economic insecurity and diminished opportunities, suggesting that the most frightening labyrinth may be the one we inhabit daily.