Backspot is a 2023 drama film directed by D. W. Waterson in their feature-length directorial debut and stars Devery Jacobs, Kudakwashe Rutendo, and Evan Rachel Wood. Jacobs also serves as producer, along with Waterson, through their Night is Y production company.[1]
| Backspot | |
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 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | D. W. Waterson |
| Screenplay by | Joanne Sarazen |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | James Poremba |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | Casey MQ |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | XYZ Films |
Release dates |
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| Countries |
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| Language | English |
The film premiered in the Discovery program at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.[2]
Synopsis
editThe plot follows two cheerleaders named Riley and Amanda as they navigate the world of competitive cheerleading.[3]
Cast
edit- Devery Jacobs as Riley
- Evan Rachel Wood as Eileen McNamara
- Noa DiBerto as Rachel
- Kudakwashe Rutendo as Amanda
- Thomas Antony Olajide as Devon
- Oluniké Adeliyi as Denise
- Wendy Crewson as Suzanne
- Shannyn Sossamon as Tracy
- Adrianna Di Liello as Banigan
- Marlee Sansom as Laila
Production
editThe project is produced by Page Boy Productions, Night is Y, and Prospero Pictures. It was written by Joanne Sarazen, based on a story by D. W. Waterson. Elliot Page, Matthew Jordan Smith, John Davidson, and Katisha Shaw executive produce, with Alona Metzer, Waterson, Jacobs, and Martin Katz as producers.[4] In December 2023, XYZ Films had acquired the U.S., Australia and New Zealand distribution rights to the film.[5]
In cheerleading, a backspotter acts as a support to the flyer during cheerleading stunts, which is referenced in the title of the project.[6]
Casting
editAs well as producing the movie, Jacobs was announced as one of the leads of the film in October 2022.[7] Newcomer Kudakwashe Rutendo was announced as the other lead in February 2023.[8] Evan Rachel Wood was revealed to have joined the production in March 2023.[9]
Filming
editPrincipal photography began in Toronto in February 2023.[10] It was reported by Collider that filming had wrapped in March 2023.[11]
Release
editBackspot was released in the Canada and the United States on May 31, 2024.[12]
Critical response
editOn the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 85% of 47 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7/10. The website's consensus reads: "An outstanding showcase for Devery Jacobs, Backspot is front of the line as an insightful and thrilling sports drama."[13]
References
edit- ^ Dowling, Amber (February 15, 2023). "Elliot Page's Queer Cheer Drama 'Backspot' Starts Shooting in Canada (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
- ^ Valerie Complex, "TIFF Unveils Cinematic First Looks With Discovery And Midnight Madness Program; World Premieres Include ‘Hell Of A Summer,’ ‘Gonzo Girl,’ ‘Widow Clicquot,’ And ‘Boy Kills World’". Deadline Hollywood, August 3, 2023.
- ^ Tai, Anita (October 13, 2022). "Elliot Page Joins LGBTQ Cheerleading Drama 'Backspot' As Executive Producer". EtCanada. Archived from the original on October 13, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
- ^ Vlessing, Etan (October 13, 2022). "Elliot Page to Executive Produce 'Backspot' Cheerleading Drama (Exclusive)". Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (December 4, 2023). "Cheerleading Drama Backspot, Starring Devery Jacobs, Evan Rachel Wood & Exec-Produced By Elliot Page, Gets U.S. Deal". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- ^ "Elliot Page to executive produce LGBTQ2S+ cheerleading drama 'Backspot'". ctvnews. October 14, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
- ^ "Devery Jacobs to Star in Queer Cheerleading Drama Produced by Elliot Page". mxdwn.com. October 14, 2022. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- ^ Rude, Mey (February 16, 2023). "Elliot Page's Queer Cheerleading Film Has Started Filming". Out.com. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
- ^ Ramachandran, Naman (March 20, 2023). "Evan Rachel Wood Joins Cast of 'Backspot,' Executive Produced by Elliot Page (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
- ^ Dowling, Amber (February 15, 2023). "Elliot Page's Queer Cheer Drama 'Backspot' Starts Shooting in Canada (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
- ^ Devore, Britta (March 20, 2023). "Evan Rachel Wood to Star in Queer Cheerleading Film 'Backspot'". Collider. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
- ^ Brathwaite, Lester Fabian (April 19, 2024). "Devery Jacobs flips, falls, and gets yelled at by Evan Rachel Wood in the trailer for cheerleading drama Backspot". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
- ^ "Backspot". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved July 24, 2024.