Backspot

Last updated

Backspot
Backspot poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by D. W. Waterson
Screenplay byJoanne Sarazen
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyJames Poremba
Edited by
Music byCasey Mo
Production
companies
  • Page Boy Productions
  • Night is Y
  • Prospero Pictures
Distributed by XYZ Films
Release dates
  • September 8, 2023 (2023-09-08)(TIFF)
  • May 31, 2024 (2024-05-31)(United States)
Countries
  • Canada
  • United States
LanguageEnglish

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]

Contents

The film premiered in the Discovery program at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. [2]

Synopsis

The plot follows two cheerleaders named Riley (Jacobs) and Amanda (Rutendo) as they navigate the world of competitive cheerleading. [3]

Cast

Production

The 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

As 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

Principal photography began in Toronto in February 2023. [10] It was reported by Collider that filming had wrapped in March 2023. [11]

Release

Backspot was released in the Canada and the United States on May 31, 2024. [12]

Critical response

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes , 84% of 44 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]

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References

  1. ↑ Dowling, Amber (February 15, 2023). "Elliot Page's Queer Cheer Drama 'Backspot' Starts Shooting in Canada (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  2. ↑ 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.
  3. ↑ 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.
  4. ↑ Vlessing, Etan (October 13, 2022). "Elliot Page to Executive Produce 'Backspot' Cheerleading Drama (Exclusive)". Hollywood Reporter.
  5. ↑ 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.
  6. ↑ "Elliot Page to executive produce LGBTQ2S+ cheerleading drama 'Backspot'". ctvnews. October 14, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
  7. ↑ "Devery Jacobs to Star in Queer Cheerleading Drama Produced by Elliot Page". mxdwn.com. October 14, 2022. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  8. ↑ Rude, Mey (February 16, 2023). "Elliot Page's Queer Cheerleading Film Has Started Filming". Out.com. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
  9. ↑ Ramachandran, Naman (March 20, 2023). "Evan Rachel Wood Joins Cast of 'Backspot,' Executive Produced by Elliot Page (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
  10. ↑ Dowling, Amber (February 15, 2023). "Elliot Page's Queer Cheer Drama 'Backspot' Starts Shooting in Canada (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
  11. ↑ Devore, Britta (March 20, 2023). "Evan Rachel Wood to Star in Queer Cheerleading Film 'Backspot'". Collider. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
  12. ↑ 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.
  13. ↑ "Backspot". Rotten Tomatoes . Fandango Media . Retrieved June 8, 2024.
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