Emma Myers
Emma Myers as Cindy Reynolds in NoCliped (2022), the role that launched her careerEmma Myers (born April 2, 2002) is an American actress best known for her portrayal of Cindy Reynolds in The Backrooms Trilogy and Enid Sinclair in Wednesday(2022-2025). Her performance as the determined survivor and romantic interest to Maria Diaz (Jenna Ortega) garnered widespread critical acclaim and established her as one of Hollywood's most promising young talents. Myers' tragic death scene in City in the Rain (2027) is considered one of the most emotionally devastating moments in modern horror cinema.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Before her breakthrough role in The Backrooms Trilogy, Myers appeared in several television shows and independent films, including a recurring role in the supernatural drama Ethereal Heights (2019-2021). However, it was her audition for the role of Cindy Reynolds that caught the attention of A24 Studios and director Sarah Chen. The production team was particularly impressed by Myers' ability to convey both vulnerability and inner strength, qualities essential for the character's arc throughout the trilogy.
The chemistry between Myers and Jenna Ortega during their screen test was reportedly so compelling that the creative team expanded Cindy's role in the series, developing what was originally intended to be a supporting character into a co-lead. This decision would prove instrumental in shaping the emotional core of the trilogy.
Portrayal of Cindy Reynolds
Myers' portrayal of Cindy Reynolds was characterized by a delicate balance between hope and trauma. As a college student who had been trapped in The Backrooms for six months before meeting Maria Diaz, Cindy served as both a guide to the mysterious realm and a reminder of its psychological toll. Myers developed a detailed backstory for her character in collaboration with the writers, incorporating elements of her own experiences with anxiety to inform Cindy's coping mechanisms.
The actress underwent extensive physical training to prepare for the role, learning parkour and survival techniques to make her character's expertise in navigating the Backrooms feel authentic. She also worked closely with the Major Explorer Group (M.E.G.) technical advisors to understand the protocols and procedures that would become central to her character's knowledge base.
Myers and Ortega rehearsing for an emotional scene in Wanderer (2024)Myers' performance in the second film, Wanderer, earned her particular praise for her portrayal of Cindy's growing paranoia regarding Dr. Arnold Malkinson's experiments. Her scenes with Jack Nicholson were highlighted by critics as masterclasses in subtle character development, with Myers holding her own against the veteran actor's increasingly menacing presence.
Impact and Legacy
The death of Cindy Reynolds in City in the Rain became one of the most discussed moments in contemporary horror cinema. Myers' final scene, in which Cindy sacrifices herself to save Maria from Malkinson's reality-merging experiment, was shot in a single take at the actress's insistence. The raw emotion of her performance contributed significantly to the controversy surrounding the character's fate, with many viewers and critics debating the narrative necessity of such a devastating loss.
The role established Myers as a formidable presence in the horror genre, leading to her subsequent starring roles in several other psychological thrillers, including The Threshold Protocol (2028) and Liminal (2029). Her interpretation of Cindy Reynolds has been particularly celebrated within the LGBTQ+ community, despite the controversial nature of the character's death, for its nuanced portrayal of queer romance in a horror context.
Acting Style and Influences
Myers is known for her methodical approach to character preparation, often spending months researching and developing detailed backgrounds for her roles. For Cindy Reynolds, she studied accounts of real-life survival situations and worked with psychologists to understand the mental effects of prolonged isolation. This dedication to authenticity helped ground the supernatural elements of The Backrooms Trilogy in emotional reality.
The actress has cited psychological horror films of the 1970s as major influences on her performance style, particularly Julie Christie in Don't Look Now and Sissy Spacek in Carrie. Myers' ability to convey complex emotional states through subtle facial expressions and body language has drawn comparisons to these classic horror performances.
Personal Life
Unlike many of her contemporaries, Myers maintains a relatively low public profile, rarely discussing her private life in interviews. She has, however, been outspoken about mental health awareness and the importance of authentic LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream cinema. Following her work on The Backrooms Trilogy, she became involved with several organizations supporting young actors in the horror genre, establishing the Cindy Reynolds Foundation to provide resources and mentorship opportunities.
Critical Reception
Myers' performance across The Backrooms Trilogy received universal acclaim, with particular praise for her character's evolution from survivor to leader. The New York Times described her portrayal as "a masterclass in conveying trauma without losing humanity," while The Hollywood Reporter praised her "remarkable ability to make even the most supernatural scenarios feel grounded in emotional truth."
Her work in the trilogy earned her numerous accolades, including a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress and a Critics' Choice Movie Award nomination. The depth she brought to Cindy Reynolds has been credited with elevating the entire franchise beyond typical horror fare into a more nuanced exploration of human resilience and connection in the face of cosmic horror.
See Also
- The Backrooms
- Jenna Ortega
- Dr. Arnold Malkinson
- The Threshold Protocol