Backcountry

The fear of the woods and the unknown creatures that lurk in it have long been an overused horror movie scenario. It's nice when a thriller succeeds in using this setting in foreboding and inventive ways, much like the new IFC Midnight film "Backcountry". In conjunction with Scream Factory, the Blu-ray won't disappoint fans of the genre.

A young couple, Alex (Jeff Roop) and Jen (Missy Peregrym), go camping in a Canadian hiking area. Alex wants to impress his unseasoned girlfriend...Jen has never camped or hiked before. Naturally, the two go off course on an unknown trail and remain lost for most of the film's compact running time.

If that wasn't enough, they encounter a mysterious stranger (Eric Balfour) who manages to play games with their psyches and blatantly flirts with Jen. And as seen on the cover of the tense "Backcountry," a wild bear is on the loose and Alex and Jen must fight for their lives.

Using a very minimal cast works well for "Backcountry"; the audience gets to fully know the characters and this viewer started to care about them. Director Adam McDonald offers a unique and contemporary spin on a well-worn tale.

Special features are typical Blu-ray fare: an audio commentary from director MacDonald and the actors in the film, a behind-the-scenes featurette, a still gallery, and the theatrical trailer. These may not be that inventive but the feature film erases any doubts about a Blu-ray purchase.

"Backcountry"
Blu-ray
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