Backspot is a 2023 Canadian drama film directed by D.W. Waterson. It stars Devery Jacobs, Noa DiBerto, Evan Rachel Wood, Kudakwashe Rutendo and Wendy Crewson.
Riley and Amanda, her girlfriend, are both cheerleaders trying to get spots on a professional team. After they succeed in landing spots on the Thunderhawks team, the two find their training to be increasingly grueling, threatening both their health and relationship. Riley is however committed to staying with the Thunderhawks and winning the competition coming up despite what it may cost her.
This film provides examples of:
- Ambiguously Absent Parent: Amanda's father is not shown or mentioned in the film. This does not necessarily mean that he's uninvolved however-he could just be off at work or something else.
- Hairy Girl: Riley does not shave her armpits, as shown when she's training.
- Has a Type: Implied to be the case for Riley. When away from her girlfriend Amanda out at a club, Riley briefly flirts there with another girl, who like Amanda's black with braided hair.
- Lesbian Jock: Riley, Amanda, another cheerleader the two know and Eileen, their coach on the Thunderhawks, are all queer women. Amanda and Riley are happy to learn Eileen has an ex-wife, therefore she's one of them.
- Male Gaze: Discussed as the girlfriend of Riley's teammate says cheerleading is all just for men's enjoyment, which she angrily rejects. However, a heavier teammate says she has a point, as only the more attractive cheerleaders were picked for a professional team.
- Passionate Sports Girl: Riley is totally committed to her cheerleading, defending it from criticism by a teammate's girlfriend and sticking with her team even after her girlfriend quits in worry over being injured. As she notes and was quite clear from the film, it's definitely a sport, requiring significant training along with skill. There is substantial risk of injuries as well.
- Self-Harm: Riley continually plucks out her eyebrows, seemingly due to stress, all throughout the film. This dismays Amanda, her girlfriend.
- Title Drop: Riley's position is backspot, the cheerleader at the back position while lifts are performed.
- Workout Fanservice: The cheerleaders are good-looking young women who frequently train in workout gear all throughout the film.