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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]
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The plot follows two cheerleaders named Riley and Amanda as they navigate the world of competitive cheerleading.[3]
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- 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
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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
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]
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Backspot was released in the Canada and the United States on May 31, 2024.[12]
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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]
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