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 |
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.
The film premiered in the Discovery program at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.
Synopsis
The plot follows two cheerleaders named Riley and Amanda as they navigate the world of competitive cheerleading.
Cast
- 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
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. In December 2023, XYZ Films had acquired the U.S., Australia and New Zealand distribution rights to the film.
In cheerleading, a backspotter acts as a support to the flyer during cheerleading stunts, which is referenced in the title of the project.
Casting
As well as producing the movie, Jacobs was announced as one of the leads of the film in October 2022. Newcomer Kudakwashe Rutendo was announced as the other lead in February 2023. Evan Rachel Wood was revealed to have joined the production in March 2023.
Filming
Principal photography began in Toronto in February 2023. It was reported by Collider that filming had wrapped in March 2023.
Release
Backspot was released in the Canada and the United States on May 31, 2024.
Critical response
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 87% of 52 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.1/10. The website's consensus reads: "An outstanding showcase for Devery Jacobs, Backspot is front of the line as an insightful and thrilling sports drama."
References
- 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 December 5, 2024.
External links
Categories:- 2023 films
- 2023 drama films
- 2020s English-language films
- Films shot in Toronto
- Cheerleading films
- 2020s LGBTQ-related drama films
- 2020s sports drama films
- Canadian LGBTQ-related films
- Canadian sports drama films
- LGBTQ-related sports drama films
- 2023 LGBTQ-related films
- 2020s Canadian films
- 2023 directorial debut films
- English-language sports drama films
- English-language Canadian films
- Lesbian-related films