Backspot

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
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	D. W. Waterson
Screenplay by	Joanne Sarazen
Produced by	Martin Katz Devery Jacobs D. W. Waterson Alona Metzer
Starring	Devery Jacobs Evan Rachel Wood Kudakwashe Rutendo Thomas Antony Olajide Oluniké Adeliyi Wendy Crewson Shannyn Sossamon
Cinematography	James Poremba
Edited by	Rémy Huberdeau D. W. Waterson
Music by	Casey MQ
Production companies	Page Boy Productions Night is Y Prospero Pictures
Distributed by	XYZ Films
Release dates	September 8, 2023 (2023-09-08) (TIFF) May 31, 2024 (2024-05-31) (United States)
Countries	Canada United States
Language	English

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

Synopsis

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

Cast

• 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

Production

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]

Release

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

Critical response

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]