BACKCOUNTRY (review)

BACKCOUNTRY
Written and Directed by Adam MacDonald
Starring Jeff Roop, Missy Peregrym and Eric Balfour

Brad: I don’t know how much it costs, I only know how much they pay me.

The debut feature film from new director, Adam MacDonald, is filled with almost every camping in the woods horror trope imaginable. From the very beginning, characters motivations are obvious and its execution is almost formulaic. Revelations occur at exactly the right time, when things began to get tense, and salvation comes exactly when it is needed most. But the thing is, despite these obvious shortcomings in the script, BACKCOUNTRY is an incredibly effective thriller with just the right amount of blood and gross-out moments to have the audience squirm in their seats.

The premise is simple; a couple deicides to spend a weekend camping to get away form the hustle of the city. Alex (Jeff Roop) is a self-proclaimed seasoned camper, who is taking his nervous girlfriend Jenn (Missy Peregrym) on a trip to show her a favorite spot of his where he spent lots of time as a kid. Of course upon arrival in the park, they are told their desired site is closed, but decide to take their chance anyways, which of course leads to a series of terrible situations, one of them an awkward and suspenseful encounter with Brad (Eric Balfour), a park tour guide. But it isn’t just the locals that are creepy, because as we all know the deep woods are home to some absolutely terrifying animals, and one of them just so happens to be stalking Jenn and Alex.

Shot in beautiful Provincial Parks in both Ontario and B.C., the locations add to the sense of isolation when the two begin to lose their way through the park, and the action begins to unfold. It is a slow build up to the final act, but the wait is worth it, even if the story is sometimes cliche. The chemistry between both actors is undeniable, which only adds to the believability of the film, which was based on a true story, according to the opening credits. Filled with both humour and nail biting suspense, BACKCOUNTRY is a film that will definitely have you thinking twice about your next camping trip.

Your turn!

How many sheep would you give Backcountry?

[kkstarratings]