Smilers

The characteristic luminescent smile of a Smiler entity, as depicted in NoCliped (2022)

Smilers are dangerous entities that inhabit The Backrooms, most notably featured in The Backrooms Trilogy (2022-2027). These beings are characterized by their distinctive glowing grins that float in darkness, often appearing as disembodied, phosphorescent smiles suspended in mid-air. First documented by the Major Explorer Group (M.E.G.) in the early days of Backrooms exploration, Smilers have become one of the most recognizable and feared entities within the liminal maze.

Characteristics

Smilers manifest as luminescent, crescent-shaped grins that appear to hover approximately 5-7 feet above the ground. The entities emit a faint, yellowish-white glow that creates unsettling shadows in their vicinity. While their full physical form remains largely invisible, thermal imaging conducted by Dr. Arnold Malkinson during his early research revealed that Smilers possess a complex biological structure that exists primarily in spectrums of light imperceptible to the human eye.

The characteristic smile of these entities measures approximately 18 inches across and features unnaturally perfect, gleaming teeth. Witnesses report that the expression appears frozen and artificial, creating an uncanny valley effect that triggers immediate psychological distress in most observers. The smile's illumination has been measured at roughly 2.3 lumens, though this output can fluctuate based on the entity's aggressive state.

Behavior and Hunting Patterns

Unlike the more overtly hostile Partygoers, Smilers employ sophisticated hunting strategies that rely on psychological manipulation and environmental control. They typically manifest in darker sections of the Backrooms, particularly in areas where fluorescent lighting has failed or dimmed. These entities demonstrate remarkable patience, often remaining motionless for hours while waiting for potential victims to approach.

Security footage showing a Smiler's distinctive glow in Level 1's maintenance corridors

The hunting behavior of Smilers follows a distinct pattern, documented extensively by Survival Analyst Patricia Chen in her seminal work on Backrooms entity behavior. Initially, a Smiler will position itself at the edge of a victim's visual field, remaining barely visible to create uncertainty about its presence. As the target's anxiety increases, the entity gradually moves closer while maintaining this peripheral position. This approach typically continues until the victim either flees or becomes paralyzed with fear.

Defensive Measures

The M.E.G. has developed several proven strategies for surviving Smiler encounters, which were prominently featured in the survival guides carried by Maria Diaz and Cindy Reynolds in NoCliped. The most effective defense involves maintaining constant illumination, as Smilers show strong aversion to bright light. Standard M.E.G. equipment includes high-powered LED flashlights specifically calibrated to emit wavelengths that disrupt Smiler manifestation.

Additionally, research has shown that consumption of Almond Water provides some degree of protection against the psychological effects induced by Smiler encounters. The exact mechanism behind this resistance remains unknown, though Dr. Malkinson's later experiments suggested a connection between the liquid's properties and the way Smilers perceive potential prey.

Cultural Impact

The distinctive appearance of Smilers has made them one of the most iconic elements of Backrooms mythology. Their presence in The Backrooms Trilogy, particularly during the tense maintenance tunnel sequence in NoCliped, helped establish them as a defining symbol of the franchise's psychological horror elements. The entities' design has influenced numerous works of horror media, with their characteristic floating grins becoming a frequently referenced and imitated image in contemporary horror.

In the films, Smilers served as a metaphor for the deceptive nature of seemingly friendly appearances, contrasting with yet complementing the more overt threat of the Partygoers. Their presence in the trilogy's quieter moments created a sense of persistent dread that critics praised for elevating the series above typical horror fare.

Scientific Understanding

While the true nature of Smilers remains largely unknown, various theories have emerged regarding their origin and composition. Dr. Malkinson's research, detailed in his controversial paper "Luminescent Entities and Reality Distortion in Non-Euclidean Spaces," suggested that Smilers might represent a form of consciousness that exists primarily as patterns of light and shadow, only partially intersecting with conventional physical space.

The ability of Smilers to maintain their signature grin formation despite moving through solid objects and around corners has led some researchers to propose that they exist in four or more spatial dimensions, with only their characteristic smile visible in our three-dimensional space. This theory gained particular attention following the events depicted in City in the Rain, where the entities demonstrated previously unknown capabilities during the film's climactic sequences.

See Also

• The Backrooms
• Dr. Arnold Malkinson
• Partygoers
• Level 1
• Entity Classification System

References

1. Chen, P. (2023). "Behavioral Patterns of Luminescent Entities in Liminal Spaces"
2. Malkinson, A. (2025). "Luminescent Entities and Reality Distortion in Non-Euclidean Spaces"
3. M.E.G. Field Guide to Backrooms Entities, 6th Edition
4. The Backrooms Trilogy Official Companion Guide (2028)