| Backspot | |
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| Directed by | D. W. Waterson |
| Screenplay by | Joanne Sarazen |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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Production companies |
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| Distributed by | XYZ Films |
Release date |
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| Language | English |
Backspot is a 2023 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]
The plot follows two cheerleaders named Riley (Jacobs) and Amanda (Rutendo) as they navigate the world of professional cheerleading.[3]
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]
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]
Principal photography began in Toronto in February 2023.[10] It was reported by Collider that filming had wrapped in March 2023.[11]
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 80% of 10 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6/10.[12]
