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Backspot

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Backspot
Theatrical release poster
Directed byD. W. Waterson
Screenplay byJoanne Sarazen
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyJames Poremba
Edited by
Music byCasey MQ
Production
companies
  • Page Boy Productions
  • Night is Y
  • Prospero Pictures
Distributed byXYZ 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]

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

Synopsis

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

Cast

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Production

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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

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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

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

Release

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

Critical response

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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."[13]

References

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  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 December 5, 2024.
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