Review of Backcountry (2015) by Thomas L — 02 May 2015

There are moments of genuine dread in Backcountry, and despite the budgetary limitations (made obvious by the shaky cam bear attacks) it's a fairly decent survival thriller. Throughout most of the film we're watching the couple hiking through the woods while the suspicion that something sinister is following them mounts.

The relationship squabbling takes the predictable twists and turns, but Missy Peregrym and Jeff Roop are convincing enough to makes us care. One startling scene of graphic violence aside, not a lot really happens.

This is based upon a true story, and not an altogether uncommon one, black bears kill more people than any other kind of bear in this country. It is probably worth noting that this movie accomplishes quite a bit by establishing the proper tone and using the desolate atmosphere of the wilderness to great advantage.

If you're looking for a nature run amok flick then look elsewhere, but if you want to experience the consequences of being unprepared then this may just do it.