Devery Jacobs who plays Elora Danan in Reservation dogs has a new project along with actor, producer and activist Elliot Page. The project has been described as a queer cheerleading drama entitled Backspot and is Directed by D.W Waterson. Waterson is known for their web series That’s my DJ and the feature is partly based on a story of them.
Poster of 2017’s short film ‘Backspot’
Page’s role in the film is executive producer. The project marks a debut feature for Page’s production company Page Boy productions and Jacobs/Waterson’s Night is Y. Page stated that their goal is “to tell elevated, intersectional stories that explore themes like generational queerness and mental health, and this film does that and so much more.”
It is hard not to think about Jamie Babbit’s But I’m a Cheerleader when reading the short description of Backspot. However, the plot and genre seem to be far away from it while exploring similar themes.
On 2017 Waterson premiered a short film of the same title starring Jacobs as the lead, however the story of this new feature is only partly based on it. Writer Joanne Sarazen was in charge of the script this time.
Backspot will follow Riley (Jacobs), a member of a competitive cheerleading squad who along with a squad peer named Amanda will experience being a queer woman in an athlete environment, the expectations and judgement that comes with it.
About the Film Jacobs and Waterson stated:
“We have been working on Backspot for the past five years, and we are so thrilled to be able to finally bring it to life. As queer creators, and a former competitive gymnast, we are passionate about telling stories from our communities and are excited to share this film, highlighting fearless queer athletes”
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