Exploring Wilderness Horror in ‘Backcountry’ (2014)
While there are people who love hiking the trails of a national park or camping in the middle of the forest for several nights, there are, perhaps, those who would never even consider the idea. Whether it’s the ghost stories you were told by campfire light, the eerie sounds of the wilderness, or maybe just the darkness itself, there is something about staying in nature, among the unknown, that can give a person that uneasy feeling, even if just for a moment.
In having an open-minded perspective on a multi-day hiking and camping excursion, you’re trusting that whatever lives in the trees and dark corners of the woods will not harm or kill you, just as you aim not to disturb or disrespect the surroundings. Although, in Adam MacDonald’s Backcountry—based loosely on the Missinaibi Provincial Park incident in 2005—even those who play by the rules can’t be saved from how coldblooded and unforgiving nature can truly be.
In the true incident nearly 15 years ago, software developer Mark Jordan and his wife, Dr. Jacqueline Perry, drove north to Missinaibi Provincial Park for their fourth anniversary. Described as outdoorspeople, the couple came face-to-face with a predatory bear while making dinner. According to reports, the bear wasn’t fully grown, but was, however, starving and searching for food. In the horrific events that followed, Jacqueline failed to survive and Jordan’s injuries took 300 stitches to close. In 2007, Jordan was given the Star of Courage from former Governor General Michaëlle Jean.
In the film adaptation, though the Canadian couple Alex (Jeff Roop) and Jenn (Missy Peregrym) appear to have outdoor experience, they break one of the most important rules in backpacking the wilderness right from the gate: choosing to leave behind area maps and cell phones. Not a death sentence, as most national parks seem to have next to zero cell phone service anyways; a map in a national park seems more like one of the more important things you should have on your person.
From this point on, I try to forgive our couple for their choice. Maybe they won’t wander too far? Alex clearly wants to be this strong, heroic man, as he works himself up to propose to Jenn at a location he’s already chosen. If they’ve gone backpacking before, maybe I shouldn’t be so quick to judge. However, nature aside, another obstacle stands in his way on the first night: Brad (Eric Balfour), who claims to be a wilderness guide, tests both Alex’s skillset and his patience as he continuously tries to flirt with Jenn.
Although awkward, I felt this to be somewhat believable. As any avid hiker might tell you, there certainly are some “interesting” characters you might encounter from time to time. Even though Brad seems more intrusive than friendly, the tension during the dinner scene was necessary to add to how crucial this trip is for Alex. There couldn’t just be the danger of possibly getting lost (which was ensured by our characters’ expertise, that that wouldn’t happen anyway) or the pressure of a marriage proposal, there needed to be a greater stake and character reveal. We see Alex’s jealousy and concern, mirrored by Jenn’s calm, cool, collected nature, keeping things together to ease over the rocky start to the trip.
Drama aside, along with the whole masculinity competition conversation we could have about Alex, I’d like to instead jump to the next scenes. Although filmed through a traditional third-person perspective, I think MacDonald managed to successfully recreate the horror of becoming lost. Like The Blair Witch Project (1999), Alex isn’t just breaking down to tell Jenn that they’re completely lost: He’s breaking himself down. Ever since meeting Brad, Alex is convinced the more experienced outdoorsman is following them. Alex slowly becomes defeated—his entire ego and the internal pressure of what the camping trip meant was so much more than just a week in the woods. Everything he was trying to stand for, he failed at. Which, based on his attitude during the movie, one can guess was probably a huge deal.
To make matters worse, a raccoon steals most of their remaining food supply. And in the events to follow, Alex also realizes that it isn’t Brad secretly following behind, but that he had actually led them into a black bear’s territory. While throughout the excursion there was a slight twinge of panic lurking below the surface, the couple is finally captured by fear, leading to even worse problems: injury.
Now a liability, the strong Alex can barely stand his ground, leaving Jenn to fight for her life. I have to admit, while it took us some time to get to this stage of survival, the shots cinematographer Christian Bielz set up were worth the wait. Through quick-paced yet heavily detailed scenes, we see what happens to Alex, almost like it’s Jenn telling us about the encounter, only afterward. The trauma of their reality—the real victims from 2005—I’m sure is barely portrayed. However, through the screen, on our couch, or somewhere in our homes, it is about as real as it gets. Too fast to stop it and too quick to think.
Yet, the truth of the matter is, though these occurrences are rather rare, they do happen. “Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!” wasn't just a childhood sing-along. Nature is as wicked as it is beautiful. Every living creature plays its part. Whether it's protecting its home or its family, it has a responsibility to Her. Do we want to believe that the bear in this movie was always a man-eater? Does it make it easier to go camping? Does it make you feel safe?
While I’m not trying to scare you from enjoying the outdoors, as I don’t believe that’s the film’s aim either, I am urging you to be careful. Not just making the checkmarks on a list, like taking a map, water, supplies, etc. But by being careful with who you might be with, being careful with yourself and aware of what could be lurking around you. Nature has no one to impress, She just lives and breathes. Maybe if you’re lucky, you can share in what She has to offer. Yet, sometimes being the most careful isn’t enough, and that makes us realize that Nature is much bigger than us. She makes no promises for your safety and well-being. She never once guarantees your survival.
Article written by Destiny King
Destiny writes about true crime and thrillers. She likes movies and stories that make you question the world around you, more so than what makes you jump.
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