Backspot
| Backspot | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | D. W. Waterson |
| Screenplay by | Joanne Sarazen |
| Starring |
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Production companies |
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| Distributed by | XYZ Films |
Release date |
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| Countries |
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| Language | English |
Backspot is a 2023 film directed by D. W. Waterson in their feature-length directorial debut. It is executive produced by Elliot Page through Page Boy Productions, 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
The plot follows two cheerleaders named Riley (Jacobs) and Amanda (Rutendo) as they navigate the world of professional cheerleading.[3]
Cast
- Noa Diberto as Rachel
- Devery Jacobs as Riley
- Kudakwashe Rutendo as Amanda
- Evan Rachel Wood as Eileen McNamara
- Thomas Antony Olajide
- Oluniké Adeliyi
- Wendy Crewson
- Shannyn Sossamon
- Adrianna Di Liello as Banigan
- Marlee Sansom as Laila
Production
The project is produced Page Boy Productions, Night is Y, and Prospero Pictures. It was written by Joanne Sarazen, based on a story by 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]
Critical response
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 80% of 10 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6/10.[12]
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.
- ^ "Backspot". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved October 2, 2023.