By Miranda Rodriguez & Nick Rodriguez

‘Backspot’

Directed by D.W. Waterson

Starring Devery Jacobs (“Reservation Dogs”), Evan Rachel Wood (“Westworld”), Shannyn Sossamon (A Knight’s Tale), Kudakwashe Rutendo, Thomas Antony Olajide, Wendy Crewson

*Editor’s Note: This review is the combined critiques from Miranda and Nick.

Like the cheer films that came before it, “Backspot” opens with a familiar upbeat montage of a dance routine while fast-paced dance music blasts throughout the opening credits. Backspot is different compared to those other cheerleading movies. It is NOT “Bring it On” but make it queer. It is a deeply personal queer drama within a cheer flick.

Why cheer? Cheer is meant to be upbeat, happy and joyful. Setting the film as a cheer drama creates a stark contrast between Riley’s internal struggle and the “put on a smile and make it look easy” persona cheerleaders are taught to embody. Putting on a smile and pretending you’re okay is also a source of internal dialogue for people who are dealing with mental health struggles. 

As fans of FX on Hulu’s critically acclaimed TV show, “Reservation Dogs,” we were excited to see a very different side of Devery Jacobs. Jacobs is much more self-contained versus the moral caretaker persona she portrays as Elora. This resulted in an amazing performance that is stubble yet impactful. Kudakwashe Rutendo as Amanda is also a standout as the voice of reason to the main characters. She is the realist of the group and sees there is more to life than cheer. Evan Rachel Wood as Head Coach Eileen encompasses her character with one distinct line. She is a “brick shithouse.” She challenges the audience’s expectations because you are expecting a one-note cliche villain but there is more beneath the surface. 

Our standout character arc is between the assistant coach Devon (Thomas Antony Olajide) and Riley. This heart-to-heart serves as the turning point for her. She can either choose to be the “brick shithouse” Eileen expects her to be or she can forge her path towards a life that is more than cheer.  

The use of handheld shots helps create an uncertain and anxious atmosphere and highlights how Riley feels throughout the film. This intimate camera work heightened the emotions to allow us to connect with the characters. When they are partying and having a good time, the camera work is up close and frantic. When Riley is having a panic attack, the camera distorts and pulls in and out of focus. When Riley and Amanda are alone together, the camerawork is intimate, almost like we are a fly in the wall witnessing a private moment. Since this film centers heavily on how mental health can take a toll on a person, the camera needed to be focused on how one is feeling at a certain moment to give us more connection and understanding of each character. Slowly as Riley becomes certain of who she is the camera begins to stabilize, ending with this beautiful tracking final cheer performance. 

One subtle tonal hint that can be seen within the film is the production design. In Reily’s house, the tones are cool and white while Amanda’s is well-lived in, warmly lit and loud. This contrasting theming is echoed in the separate cheer gyms. The Cheer Fuzion’s gym is full of camaraderie, acceptance and fun while the Thunderhawks’s gym is professional, adorned with awards and stark. 

Every character felt layered. There was more beneath the surface. There is hidden subtext. The motivations or traits of characters are not spelled out for the audience. Instead, we focus on things like Riley’s eyebrow hair-pulling. It’s not stated or mentioned that she suffers from trichotillomania, which is the compulsive pulling of hair as a way of coping with anxiety or stressful environments. 

This film is a personal drama. The characters are authentic, real and grounded. We are excited to see what stories director D.W. Waterson will bring to life in the future. 

SXSW Screenings: 

• Saturday, March 9 at 9:45 PM at Violet Crown Cinema 2
• Saturday, March 9 at 10:15 PM at Violet Crown Cinema 4
• Monday, March 11 at 11:00 AM at Violet Crown Cinema 1
• Monday, March 11 at 11:30 AM at Violet Crown Cinema 3