Backcountry

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.

I've actually seen documentaries relating instances of bear attack that are almost exactly as this movie plays out. I actually looked at the bonus features to find out if the movie was based on fact. It's a beautifully shot movie, nature is everywhere and, of the forest, one gets a real sense of the damp, the cold, the spookiness, and the awesome beauty. And I get the themes the creators aimed for, the survival instinct coming to the fore, finding inner strength. But the other more dominant dynamic is the relationship of the couple, and I get what the creators are trying to portray, and they do a great job. If you like movies with very honest intentions about ordinary contemporary people and their ups and downs and how they evolve with being out of their comfort zone or unforeseen circumstance, (alas such is life!), then I'm sure this confident exploration will not disappoint. For me, with a title like Backcountry, I wanted more. More disasters, disasters coming earlier in the picture, more tension, and, call me spoilt, but I think we needed more of the bear.

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.

A couple go off the beaten track in the glorious Canadian outback, and fall into the path of a savage predator.

It's sadly based on a true story, so I'll keep my comments respectful. First of all, it's a very good film, it's packed with tension, it had me gripped, and on the edge of my seat.

It seems that every single time people face peril from an animal in a movie it's a shark, the Black bear is a very different creature altogether, I always thought they were shy, what do I know.

Missy Peregrym is the standout, I think she was excellent throughout. Strong special effects, very brutal.

I politely ask why on Earth people visit such areas, beautiful, but containing danger.

A gripping watch, 7/10.

Backcountry is a good example how one simple premise can still be thrilling with clever production and a few grisly scenes. Using scenery and only minimum amount of characters, it succeeds on creating the sense of isolation and overwhelming helplessness. The movie doesn't venture to cheap scare territory and while it can be slow at times, its modest nature delivers what it sets out to do.

Jenn (Missy Peregrym) and Alex (Jeff Roop) go into a camping trip. The weekend is meant for a romantic escapade to see a beautiful lake, unfortunately they lose their way in the thick forest. The concept is simple, it has been done before, but Backcountry does it with smart approach by keeping the focus on the confused couple and develop their personalities. Both the lead actors deliver convincing performance.

They look like an ordinary couple, complete with their own issues and occasional bickering. It makes it easier for audience to invest on their survival. When the danger comes and they find out the trip isn't going well, the reactions are believable without being overbearing or resorting to excessive screaming and blaming even though some poor decisions have been made.

The movie keeps the flow without distraction, in this case the less is better as build up for the encounter with the threat is silently ominous. Practical effect and makeup do wonder at creating the deterioration of battered man and woman. Relying on only two characters alone could be risky, the film doesn't veer off from its original path, although the pace does stumble on halfway point. Granted, the investment on the couple might take a while.

Backcountry provides a survival tale in its natural form. It may not be fancy, but it stays on it course to deliver a decent thriller.