Review of Backcountry (2015) by Kevin D — 23 Apr 2016

Surprisingly Good Independent Film.

I came across this film not expecting very much out of it, but boy was I surprised. Everything from the character interaction, the beautiful scenery, and story-line were very well put together. I'm a little biased mind you, because I'm an avid hiker, yet this movie doesn't make any unrealistic situations come to pass.

It's a fairly real portrayal of what happens when people are unprepared and inexperienced in the wilderness. I kept getting that feeling that things were obviously going to get worse, although there were a few points it was a little predictable what was going to happen next.

The main actors were very natural as a couple, and pretty believable when it came to some of the arguments they had. I could easily recall some of the same arguments in my own past relationships. The boyfriend really does irritate me, but that was his purpose in the film, so good job! I forgot they were actors at a few points, and generally thought they interacted very well together.

Some of the effects with the bear were pretty awful, but it was still and imposing creature. There is a level of tension you feel when you see it for the first time. Having seen plenty of bears in the wild in Canada, I know they are fairly skittish creatures, but attacks do happen from time to time. It's not unbelievable that a bear could be provoked into attacking if it were hungry or frightened enough.

I had never heard of this director before, but it's a wonderful debut. An impressive filming schedule, and some really beautiful shots of the wilderness and scenery. The story is interesting enough to hold the viewer, and I found it a pleasure to watch from beginning to end!

3/5.