Backcountry - 5 Reasons Alex is the Worst and 6 Reasons Jenn is the Best
Let’s chat about one of my favorite movies!
Backcountry is a Canadian horror film written and directed by Adam MacDonald and starring Missy Peregrym, Jeff Roop and Eric Balfour. It's based on the true events of Jacqueline Perry and Mark Jordan who were viciously attacked by a bear who preyed on humans in Northern Ontario, back in 2005. Jacqueline did not make it.
Backcountry focuses around Alex and Jenn, a couple who are going camping for the long weekend. Jenn is not a camper and is very wary of the dangers of the forest (like she should be) and Alex is a veteran camper who knows everything about the area (yeah right). But when the couple get lost, the forest comes alive with a human hunting bear and they must fight to get out alive.
This movie is so exciting! And proves to me that my flat out refusal to go camping is the right move. Nature is much scarier than any horror movie. And the scariest moment in this movie has to be when Jenn and Alex are sleeping in the tent and the bear starts sniffing around them, pushing its nose against the tent material. This is everyone’s worst nightmare while sleeping in the woods at night and to watch it come alive on screen is chilling.
BUT....Alex is world class asshole. Let me tell you the many reasons he deserves to die:
Alex declines the map from the ranger. Claims he knows the land well enough even though he hasn't been there in years. Male ego UGH.
He secretly removes Jenn's cellphone from her backpack before they enter into the trail because he didn't want her on it the whole time. No consent given.
When he first sees a bear paw print in the woods....he continues on. Dumb.
When he sees a dead dear carcass that has clearly been ripped apart by a bear...he continues on. Dumb x2.
He hurts his foot and decides to hang his freshly bloodied socks from a tree near their tent....knowing there's a bear nearby. DUMB DUMB DUMB.
I hated him. But I LOVED Jenn. Let me tell you the many reasons Jenn is a final girl in this film and the ultimate bad ass:
When they realize they are lost, Jenn panics, but the next day she completely takes charge of the situation. This is a girl who has never been camping and is truly afraid, but she puts those emotions aside and works her ass off to get the two of them out of there. Meanwhile Alex is slowly turning into an emotional wreck. Clear headed Queen.
She gets clawed by a bear and barely notices because she's so focused on saving her boyfriend. Tough as nails.
At one point she actually manages to out run a bear for a short period of time. I could never.
She falls and gets a major head injury but still manages to climb a tree at night to hide. Unstoppable.
She breaks her damn leg climbing down a waterfall but still manages to navigate her way out of the woods, and paddle a canoe to safety. THIS WOMAN.
She only cries once when she's fighting to survive on her own. QUEEN.
There are a few plot holes and silly moments in this movie - the moment with the Irish tour guide was filled with stereotypes and awkward dialogue. And their backpacks didn't seem able to fit all the stuff they seemed able to carry.
But I love it, I always have a great time watching it. I am truly terrified by the bear. As a Canadian who occasionally gets talked into hikes, I am constantly looking over my shoulder. I’ve seen bear claw scratches in trees, and way too many bears to count over the years. That shit is SCARY and your heart will not slow down for hours.
I feel deeply for Jenn and Alex and am always rooting for them (not so much Alex, mostly just Jenn). There’s some moments where you’ll want to cheer out loud as Jenn pulls off something incredible. The scenery is stunning but do not be a fool of a took and go out for your own hike. STAY INSIDE. THERE’S FREAKIN BEARS.
Go watch this movie, I love it so much.
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