Alan Ritchson’s Backrooms Replacement Resurfaces on Free Streaming with Cult Appeal
A hacker caught in a chase
Dark Web: Cicada 3301 centers on Connor, played by Jack Kesy, whose involvement in the Cicada initiative brings unwanted attention from the NSA. The story opens with Connor at trial before revealing how he became entangled in the organization’s puzzles and conspiracies.
The film draws on the real online puzzle project Cicada 3301, which began on 4Chan and presented itself as a search for highly intelligent, qualified hackers. Connor receives help from librarian Gwen, played by Conor Leslie, and his best friend Avi, played by Ron Funches; at least one of them has hidden motives tied to Cicada.
Conspiracy with comic energy
Cicada’s leadership claims to pursue equality, but its methods appear more harmful than its goals suggest. Connor’s independence makes him a poor fit for the group’s plans, even as his skills could help its efforts.
Ritchson gives the film an action-oriented style and an irreverent comic streak. A scene in which agents appear in the woods wearing diapers and baby masks was his idea, and Ron Funches adds further comic presence.
A different internet thriller
The article compares the film’s puzzle-solving and spy chases to Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning, while noting that Connor is an everyman rather than a figure like Ethan Hunt. Its comedy and brisk editing keep the story from taking its conspiracy elements entirely seriously.
The film arrived digitally in March 2021 without a theatrical release or much fanfare. Unlike Five Nights at Freddy’s and Backrooms, it did not quickly receive a sequel greenlight, but its lively tone and pacing may merit another look now that it is on Tubi.
Key points
- Dark Web: Cicada 3301 is streaming free on Tubi.
- Jack Kesy plays hacker Connor, whose Cicada involvement draws NSA attention.
- Alan Ritchson directed the film and added a comic, action-focused style.
- The film received a digital release in March 2021 without a theatrical run.