Backcountry

Have you ever made the experience, when watching a horror movie for the 2nd time, it was even scarier, because you know what to expect and what actually is going on? And when it comes to the most disturbing parts, you had to look away during these scenes. Or muting the tone. This was my experience when I saw Backcountry for the 2nd time.

The thing is, the protagonists do not know what is happening, but you do when watching it again which made it way scarier for me. This movie doesn't create horror with cheap jump-scares. No monsters, no paranormal activities. Anyways this movie shocked me to death and I was glad to be safe, at home, and not in the situation of that couple. Sounds stupid? But that's what that movie made me feel like. I recommend you, not to read any spoilers and not to watch trailers - just watch the movie.

The story is based on real events.

Yes this sort of film has been made tons of times before. It is based on a 'true story'. A couple go off into the wilds of a Canadian National Park. Alex is trying to impress girlfriend Jenn and so does not take a map and leaves mobile communication devices behind and they set off to see some stunning nature.

Once out in the wild it soon transpires that Alex is hardly Bear Grylls and you sort of know that something bad is gonna happen. That is about all I can say without doing a plot reveal – but the cover sort of does that anyway.

The acting is all really good as are the production values. The make up is top notch too and there is a genuine atmosphere of menace and fear – which really worked. The plot is where this gets let down as there is not that much of a story and at 88 minutes you sort of feel there should have been more – but as this is based on the truth you can forgive them a bit. Not a bad film but also not a keeper – this is a best go for the rental option type film.

Greetings again from the darkness. When the poster for a new movie compares itself to a genuine classic like JAWS, it immediately evokes skepticism and doubt. The first feature film from writer/director Adam MacDonald is based on a true story and somehow blends elements of horror and man vs. nature into a suspense-filled, gory, survivalist tale of a messy relationship.

Alex (Jeff Roop) has romantic visions as he and girlfriend Jenn (Missy Peregrym) head off into a Canadian Provincial Park for backpacking and camping. Alex can't wait to show his citified girl his favorite lake lookout … the place he used to hike in his youth. It doesn't take long for the cracks to start showing- both in the relationship and in Alex's outdoorsman skills. With the slow build of dread, we know the couple is headed for something unpleasant … thanks to the preview, and the fact that a movie about a relaxing camping trip would be pretty boring.

The Park Ranger (Nicholas Campbell) just shakes his head as Alex refuses his offer of a trail map … a not so subtle jab at men for never asking directions. That combined with Alex poking fun at Jenn's road flare, bear spray and cell phone usage provide the foreshadowing necessary for any viewers who appreciate being told where the story is headed. After a canoe ride, the couple hikes to the camp site where they encounter their first brush with nature: a rugged Irish guide (Eric Balfour) who offers his catch of the day served with a heavy dose of machismo. We are left to wonder if and when and how this creepy dude might again appear.

Of course, it's only a matter of time until the couple is lost and we (and they) realize that's the least of their concerns. See, their lack of communication has landed them right in the middle of black bear country … hungry black bears. A couple's worst nightmare (a weekend with an incompatible partner) turns into a camper's worst nightmare (being hunted by a bear). It's at this point that Ms. Peregrym takes over the movie and we finally have someone to pull for.

Director MacDonald does follow the Jaws template in teasing us with danger and not showing the bear until deep into the movie, but any other comparison would be quite a stretch. Still, there is plenty of tension and we even get that odd line between horror and humor – involving Jenn's diamond grab in the heat of the moment. Nothing is held back in the fight between man and bear, and we see more than enough in the aftermath.

The park makes for an incredibly beautiful setting and a stunning backdrop for hiking and canoeing and bear fighting. The film could have been titled "Dummies Go Camping", but really the commentary on modern relationships is probably more telling than the reminder of Nature's power. Finally, a tip of the cap to Mr. MacDonald for including the Dwight Twilley song "Looking for the Magic" in the initial car trip … great song and fitting to the theme.

Nicely shot film,nature and all.Gifted actors,coll bear)Personally for me,there as too much relationship staff and way not enough of bear) Overall,very good one time watch.

Two's company, and all that. Alex and Jenn, embarking on a backpacking trek through the Canadian forests, are such good company that when Brad joins them, he spoils the balance, no matter how much he ingratiates himself. Jeff Roop and Missy Peregrym play the couple, and Eric Balfour is Brad, and the further he is on screen, the less likeable he seems. The Canadian Ranger, played by Nicholas Campbell, completes the modest main cast list. They're all so well played, it doesn't matter that we have to wait a long time for any of the expected attacks to come.

When they do, they don't disappoint. Director and writer Adam MacDonald, in his debut feature, ensures that tensions are ratcheted up a few notches as the film goes on, with many scenes full of perfectly judged jeopardy that also prove to be surprisingly gory. Only the finale seems a little anti-climactic. My score is 7 out of 10.