Backtrack (2015 film)

Backtrack
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Michael Petroni
Produced by	Antonia Barnard Jamie Hilton Michael Petroni
Written by	Michael Petroni
Starring	Adrien Brody Bruce Spence Sam Neill Robin McLeavy Malcolm Kennard Jenni Baird
Music by	Dale Cornelius
Cinematography	Stefan Duscio
Edited by	Martin Connor Luke Doolan
Production companies	Head Gear Films Metrol Technology Screen Australia See Pictures
Distributed by	Saban Films
Release dates	18 April 2015 (2015-04-18) (Tribeca Film Festival) 29 January 2016 (2016-01-29) (UK)
Running time	90 minutes
Country	Australia
Language	English

Backtrack is a 2015 Australian mystery thriller film written, co-produced, and directed by Michael Petroni. The film stars Adrien Brody, Bruce Spence, Sam Neill, Robin McLeavy, Malcolm Kennard, and Jenni Baird.

Plot

Troubled psychotherapist Peter Bowers is suffering from nightmares and eerie visions. The loss of his young daughter in a street accident one year ago seems to have triggered his disturbing experiences. He blames himself for her death because of a moment of inattention during which her bicycle was struck by a car. But the store window display which distracted him pays a pivotal role in the events which unfold from that moment forward. He begins receiving exceptionally eccentric patients on recommendation of a mentor figure named Duncan Stewart. He initially ascribes their quirks and oddities to various forms of psychopathology. When he finally uncovers a horrifying secret that all of these clients share, however, he is put on a course that takes him back to the small hometown of 'False Creek' that he left many years ago.

Peter's father is a retired policeman with a penchant for alcohol who continues to live in False Creek. He was on the scene of a train derailment there in 1987 in which many passengers died. Peter has been blaming himself for the tragedy. He remembers carelessly leaving his bicycle on the tracks that night whilst peeping on two lovers in a car. Up until now he has been telling himself that the bicycle caused the derailment. But when he revisits the scene of his guilt he begins remembering a different version of events. This more authentic scenario is one in which his policeman father plays a prominent role. Peter's father is so obsessed with protecting this gruesome secret that he will stop at nothing to keep it buried. Even Peter himself is not safe. But there is an intervention by concerned individuals which helps to shift the circumstances a little more in Peter's favor.

Cast

• Adrien Brody as Peter Bower
• Bruce Spence as Felix
• Sam Neill as Duncan Stewart
• Robin McLeavy as Barbara Henning
• Malcolm Kennard as Barry
• Jenni Baird as Carol Bower
• Anna Lise Phillips as Erica George

Release

The film premiered on April 18, 2015, at the Tribeca Film Festival. On April 24, 2015, Saban Films acquired distribution rights to the film.

Reception

With Rotten Tomatoes currently holding it at a rating of 26%, mostly negative reviews, based on 24 reviews with one quoting "A movie that tries to make a choo-choo out of "The Sixth Sense" but immediately goes off the rails.". Has an average rating of a 5.9/10. Out of 100, Metacritic gave it a 43, mostly mixed or average reviews and ratings.

External links

• Backtrack at IMDb
• Backtrack at Rotten Tomatoes