Clark Okay, I'm gonna come back here with proof.
Played by Chiwetel Ejiofor 
Backrooms (2026) · 21 quotes
Backrooms (2026) · 21 quotes
Most-quoted character in Backrooms (2026): in 16 of its 21 quotes
Most scenes with: Dr. Mary Kline (6), Kat (3)
Look, I know how this sounds but you gotta understand, it's massive in there.
More lines from Clark
6 quotes Clark Clark Keep up. It only gets better.
Clark It's like a maze, it just goes on and on.
Clark All these rooms, this place builds them.
Clark I've been here every night since I found the place and I still barely scratched the surface.
Clark Sometimes I'm scared I'll get lost.
Scenes with Clark
9 scenes Clark I mean, I'm not lonely. I have... employees, customers...
I didn't say lonely. I said alone.
Clark I hurt people. I don't want to. It's just the way I'm wired. So, maybe I deserve to be alone.
Do you think anyone deserves to be alone?
Clark I don't know, but, you know, maybe it's not such a bad thing.
Being alone feels deeply ingrained. I understand. You've had dreams and a lot of resistance, not a lot of support in realizing those dreams. And when we've experienced hurt again and again, we start to expect it It's like, oh, I know this path. I know where it goes. So... are you interested in forging a new path and see where that leads?
Clark Sure. Why not? You know, I'm here.
Great. So, I want to revisit an exercise we've done before. The role play.
Clark Oh, the acting thing?
Yeah.
Clark I feel stupid doing that.
I know. But we have a few minutes. Let's, um... yeah, let's try. A little bit. All right. Let's hit the scene. Let's go back to the night that Barbara left you.
Clark You mean the night she kicked me out of my own house?
Yeah.
Clark I'm playing myself.
And I'll be Barbara.
Clark It is my house, by the way. I'm the one paying for it.
I know.
Clark Okay. So, um... I'd gotten home late. I don't know how late. She was already asleep. Maybe midnight. She usually goes to bed before. It doesn't matter. The point is, I was in the kitchen and, um... The glass. I broke the glass. And she comes running down to see what happened. And things escalated.
And how do you feel?
Clark Well, I was... I was drunk. And, um... I felt stupid. I was angry. Because I broke the glass.
Can you say that to me?
Clark What? To Barbara?
Yeah.
Clark I'm sorry that I woke you.
Maybe if you'd come home earlier, we could have spent the evening together.
Clark No, I was... I was working, you know. I came straight home after work.
Be honest with me, please. I can smell it on your breath.
Clark I had a few beers.
Define a few.
Clark Well, it was a hard day. I needed to wind down.
All we ever do is wind down. You're always at this door.
Clark You want kids, right?
We both do.
Clark Well, you know, having a family takes money, which means someone has to work. Unless being a professional student is considered a job these days.
That's not fair. You know I had to take time off.
Clark Well, it's not my fault if you can't keep up. How are you gonna be a lawyer if you can't even handle law school? Who even pays for everything while you're gallivanting around campus like a 30-year-old freshman? I'll give you a hint. It's me. I pay for your school. I pay for your time off school. I pay for the roof over your head.
Can I talk now?
Clark [Points]
No. No. Because I'd like to know, what do you think happens if you do manage to graduate? You know, you pop out a kid and then you leave me with the bill. Or am I stuck at home changing diapers because you're too busy working for the first time in your life?
Now you're being cruel.
Clark I'm being honest. I thought that's what you always wanted.
Just because you didn't get to be an architect doesn't mean...
Clark I am a **** architect! God damn it. I'm just stuck selling shit furniture because someone won't get off their fat **** ass and help me.
How do you feel, Clark?
Clark Who am I talking to? Me. Here. Malcolm. Um... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to, uh... you know, get angry or lose my temper or whatever.
I know. That's the purpose of the whole exercise. This is a good start. To feel what you feel, and then learn to identify a new path. Your reaction was actually quite normal.
Clark Oh, that's me.
Clark [Meets Mary]
Sorry, I'm late. Traffic was hell and I couldn't leave early. [paces around]
Let's just use the time we have. How are you today, Clark?
Clark How do I look?
Fine. A little tired, maybe.
Clark I look like shit.
Can I ask, and there is no wrong answer here, you know that... Are you intoxicated right now?
Clark Why do you say it like that?
Like what?
Clark I haven't had a drink since Friday. [sits in sofa seat] Probably why I look like shit. Can I ask you something?
Sure.
Clark You ever 5150'd someone?
A few times over the years. When it was necessary.
Clark Wh-What makes it necessary?
If I believe that the person is a danger to themselves or others. Or they're gravely disabled.
Clark Okay. Okay. [sits forward] I found something in the store.
Okay. What did you find?
Clark Uh... a place. I f- I found a place.
A place?
Clark Yeah. It's like, um... It's like the store just, uh... continues, I guess. It's like... you know, like there's a wall, and on the other side of the wall, the store just keeps going, you know, like-like a... like a copy of itself. I kinda figured they're using mirrors or something to hide the entrance.
Sorry, I'm not following you. Is this a room you didn't know about before?
Clark No.
Okay.
Clark So y-y-you go in and at first it just looks like a- like an office building. Like a- like a huge office building, you know? And then, uh... but then you- you keep going and then- then you realize th-th- that none of it makes any sense. It's- it's like, um... imagine describing a dog to someone who's never seen one before and then asking them to draw it. They might get some things right, you know, but there's no way they'd get everything right. You know, the devils in the details. So, from a distance, you look at it, you think you're seeing a dog, but then you look close... Why are you looking at me like that?
I'm just trying to understand.
Clark Oh. You know, for a shrink, you got a terrible poker face.
What you're saying might sound fantastical, but not dangerous. Are there any people in these offices?
Clark Not that I've seen. You know, I hear, um... there's footsteps an-an-and then... And then stuff gets moved around when I'm not looking. I know how this sounds, but you gotta understand, it's massive in there. Like New York's subway system massive. You know, for all I know, there's hundreds of people. I just haven't seen them. [reaches into pocket and produces hand drawn map of backrooms and spreads it on coffee table] See? It's like a... It's like a maze that just goes on and on and on. [Mary picks up map and studies it] And sometimes I'm scared I'll get lost.
Why do you think no one else has found this place?
Clark I don't know. The entrance is on the sub-floor, so... The whole structure's probably underground, you know? It's not any city maps. The entrances are hidden, so... who'd think to look?
I'm not saying I don't believe you. You told me yourself. You haven't had a drink since Friday. Do you think there's a ...
Clark Okay
Clark-
Clark No, no.
-if this is true...
Clark Yeah, I get it. Thank you. [gets up and takes map from Mary, walks to door and turns back, pointing with map in hand] No. I'm gonna come back here with proof. And you're gonna owe me a serious **** apology. [leaves]
Clark [To Bobby and Kat at their motel room]
What are you guys doing tomorrow?
What are you talking about?
Clark I'll pay you. Two hours. Overtime. Tops.
Okay, pay us for what?
Clark Research. You got the camera, right? You can- you can borrow it again. Right?
[shooting camera]
Okay, we are rolling. We got some shit over here. We got some... Stop signs and a rope. What's the rope for?
Clark Supplies.
Great, he's gonna tie us up.
Clark No. We're gonna tie ourselves up.
Oh, kinky.
Uh, what the ****?
You still haven't told us what we're doing here, man.
Clark I did tell you. Research. These are supplies and we're using them for research. It's not that hard to understand.
Okay, research for what? You gotta be more specific, dude.
Clark [gestures to tape outline on wall]
I'm gonna go through the door.
What door?
Clark The door. That's the door. I taped an outline on the other side too just to help us find our way back.
Bobby...
What?
Clark Look, I know it sounds crazy, but follow my lead. Okay? I want to be back before sun up.
Dude, it's like 9 p.m. [Clark disappears through wall] What the ****!
Clark?!
What the ****! How did you do that? Dude, did you... did you **** see that? How- how did he, um...
Clark I'm right here. Come see for yourself.
D-did you just ****... What? How the f-
Bobby, stop. What are you doing? [Bobby puts hand through wall] What the ****?!
Clark, where are you? [pulls hand back] Heh, Hey, did you... did you see that?
Where the **** did he go? Yes, Bobby, I saw it! Oh! Where the f-...
Clark Just step through the door! You'll be fine!
What? No! Tell us what is going on!
No, Bobby, wait. Bobby, wait. What are you doing? [Bobby steps through wall] What the ****?!
Bobby?
Okay. Clark, where are you? No, no, no, Kat. It's good. It's good. Just... You gotta come see this. I mean... Right. See, see, see. It's, um... It's fine.
Clark Well, that's what I'm trying to figure out.
[referring to pile of furniture in middle of room]
Whose, um... whose shit is this? Is it part of your store?
Clark If it belongs to someone, I haven't met him yet.
Okay.
Clark I've been here every night since I found the place, and I still barely scratch the surface. Come on. I'll show you. It only gets better. [walks away]
What the ****? Hey, you don't think he, like, dosed us or something, do you?
No, no, no. We're not on drugs. I think I'll be able to tell if I'm high.
You are high.
Pot doesn't count. [to Clark] So, um, it's like... what, like an empty office building? In here?
Clark Sure. But it's like it was made by a bunch of construction workers on acid. I mean, there's even a pool.
There's a pool?
Clark Yeah. I mean, kinda. Keep up.
[Clark enters pool room after being chased by a woman figure]
Clark? Clark! I'm here! [pounds wall] I'm here! It's gonna come back! Please, Clark, Let me in!
Clark Kat?
Let me in! [Clark sets camera on table]
Clark [walks up to pool room wall]
Wh-wh-where are you?
We have to go now, Clark! We have to go! [Clark leaps up to elevated floor] It's gonna come back! It's gonna find me!
Clark Kat! Kat? Uh... Wait, I don't understand! Wh-where are you?
Please, let me the **** in! [bangs on wall]
Clark But it's a... it's-it's a wall! [places hands on wall] How-how can you see me? [paces to right]
I'm on the other side of the glass!
Clark How can you see? [paces to left]
How can you not see me?
Clark What glass?! What the **** are you talking about?! Wh-what are you talk- Okay, can you not see anything on your side? Can you see a handle, a door? Is there a hatch, anything?
No, no...
Clark Uh... okay. Let me figure this out, okay? Just hold on. [a figure picks up the camera] Hold on, okay? it's just...
Clark?
Clark No, no. Just let me...
Clark!
Clark Just hold on! Let me figure this out!
Clark, Clark! Clark, behind you! [camera shuts off]
Clark [Mary arrives in the backrooms alternate reality] [appears]
You found it.
Where are we?
Clark It's... every place that ever was.
How long have you been here? [Hears Pirate Clark monster roar] What was that?
Clark Stay calm. It's only me. You know me. [Pirate Clark monster approaches then Clark gets Mary in a headlock and chokes her out] I know what I'm doing. I'll give you the power to change.
[Wakes up tied to a chair in a kitchen/dining/living hybrid room of the backrooms alternate reality with Clark seated across from her]
What is this?
Clark It's a real mess. Am I right?
Clark, let me help you. Before you do anything you can't take back.
Clark Answer the question.
Yes. It's a real mess.
Clark But also beautiful. In a way. No?
Who are these people?
Clark This place builds them. Or, actually, more like it remembers them. And the more times it remembers something, the less it does. Somewhere out there is a guy in a... striped shirt, but in here, he's... remembered. Just slightly wrong. Somewhere out there is a man in a... wheelchair and a lamp. I'm pretty sure that's how you get all of this. You know, all these places and... rooms and buildings... misremembering themselves.
Clark. Let's talk this through.
Clark In some ways, they're an improvement on the originals. For starters, they can't feel anything. [walks over to a catatonic mature adult man figure and inserts knife into the man's neck] Can you imagine how good that must feel? I mean, there's no thoughts, no pain, no ego. No fear. They simply... exist. like... like furniture. Yeah. Look at this. Look at this. Best part. [Opens man's shirt] You can eat them. [Reaches into man's abdomen and rips out a chunk resembling furniture stuffing foam and places it on plates, then gestures to Mary to try it, then walks over to fridge, opens it to reveal decapitated head of Kat] Oh, that's my assistant manager, I tried to help her, but she just...
Clark, if you untie me, we can talk this through, get you feeling better,
Clark What if I did untie you, you know, what then? You'd run around here like a chicken with its head cut off looking for a way out, you know, you'd end up in the same place you are now, like the path thing you're always talking about.
Clark, I just want to help you, just tell me what you need, I'll do it.
Clark Yeah.
Yeah, yes, please.
Clark Okay. Well, I want you to tell me that I didn't do anything wrong, you know, that... That you were wrong about me.
I was wrong about you! I was! I was wrong about you!
Clark No, no, no, not like that, not, not so fast, okay? I mean, I want to, I want to set the scene first. Let's start, um, on the night that, uh, that I got kicked out of my own house. It was, um, it was late. A lot darker. [Turns to a woman figure] Lights, please. [Woman is unresponsive; he turns back to Mary and chuckles] I tried this exercise with her before, it doesn't go anywhere. Fine. I'll do it myself. It's still my house, after all. [Gets up and walks over to light switch, turns off lights] Yeah. [Man figure in couch seat turns on lamp] Thank you. It's better. But there's... still... still... something off. [Pulls knife out of man's neck] Yeah... [approaches woman figure]
Don't. [He cuts off her scalp, placing it over Mary's hair] Please.
Clark I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I broke the glass and woke you up. I know how you like to sleep early. I was at the store late. I guess I lost track of the time. I was checking inventory, but I stopped off for a few beers.
Clark.
Clark Barbara! I was checking inventory, then I stopped off for a few beers.
Define a few.
Clark As many as I wanted. Because this is my house. I pay for it. I pay for everything. I pay for you to go to school. I pay for your time off school. I pay for the roof over your head. You want kids, right? Well, that takes money. So someone has to work around here! I said someone has to get off her fat ass and work around here!
Just because you didn't get to be an architect-
Clark I am a **** architect! I'm just stuck selling shit furniture because someone won't get off her fat **** ass and help me!
I'm not your wife!
Clark Stay in character! [Mary shakes the fake hair from her head] Stay in character!
I've never even met her!
Clark Stay in character!
**** you!
Clark [Pause]
What did you say?
You want to know the real reason your wife left you? It wasn't the drinking! or the stumbling home at all hours or the rage! It was the whining! Nothing's ever your fault, is it? You drink too much? Blame your job. You hate your job? Blame the world. You get kicked out of the house? Blame your wife. You attack me and tie me up? Blame your brain- you are your **** brain, you dipshit!
Clark You're saying it's my fault?!
Yes. But it's just the way you're wired, isn't it? Isn't it?
Clark How do I stop doing that?
Honestly. I have no **** idea. I can't help you, Clark. As much as I tried. It's just not up to me. I can't save anyone.
Clark I don't think I want to change.
Then don't.
Clark I like it in here. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I'm... Like I'm right where I'm supposed to be.
Then stay, right where you are. But let me go.
Clark [Starts cutting Mary's binds]
I'm sorry.
For what? [Woman figure suddenly runs into corner]
Clark [Pirate Clark monster appears in doorway]
This is Mary. She's our therapist. She was just leaving. You don't have to worry. She says we don't need to change. [Pirate Clark monster picks up Clark] It's okay. It's just the way we're wired. [Pirate Clark monster bites down on Clark's neck/shoulder who screams in anguish] No!
