90 minutes, Mystery Drama/Horror, M

Granted a very limited one-week release in Australian cinemas is this Australian-made mystery drama that has a supernatural influence and stars Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody (THE PIANIST). He is Peter, a psychologist experiencing a few issues of his own. His clients seem to be displaying similar behaviours to one another. Behaviours that relate to his own past. As Peter begins to investigate the past, with the guidance of Duncan (Sam Neill), he uncovers a shocking secret that only he can put right.

BACKTRACK has a genuinely intriguing premise, but completely misfires. Michael Petroni’s writing and direction (he made TILL HUMAN VOICES WAKE US with Guy Pearce and Helena Bonham Carter back in 2002) stubbornly refuses to allude to, let alone reveal, any actual developments behind the truth being searched, until the final 10 minutes or so. The rest of the movie is cheaply filled with sound and visual effects, aimed to trigger regular jumps and generate some level of suspense, yet renders itself pointless. This over-reliance and the absence of writing something of substance throughout BACKTRACK gives the viewer an impenetrable and sluggish watching experience. Those final revelations certainly deserved better in what can only be described as an incomplete and distracted disappointment.

1.5 out of 5

BACKTRACK – Film Trailer

Footnote to Parents 
Classified M for violence, disturbing images including horror scenes and for coarse language.

Moviedoc wishes to thank Caitlin from Madman Films and Madman Films for the invitation to the Screening of BACKTRACK.

Review by Moviedoc
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