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Backcountry

Backcountry is a 2014 Canadian survival horror film written and directed by Adam MacDonald.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Backcountry is a 2014 Canadian survival horror film written and directed by Adam MacDonald. The film follows a couple, Alex and Jenn, whose off-trail camping trip in the wilderness becomes a fight for survival after they enter the territory of a predatory black bear. It is loosely inspired by a real bear attack that occurred in Ontario in 2005.

Plot

Backcountry follows a couple, Alex and Jenn, whose off-trail camping trip in the wilderness becomes a fight for survival after they enter the territory of a predatory black bear.

Production

Adam MacDonald wrote and directed the film, which marked his first feature as a director. The film was produced in Canada with support from Telefilm Canada and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation. According to IMDb trivia, the film was shot in 16 days.

Inspiration

The film is loosely inspired by the 2005 bear attack on Jacqueline Perry and Mark Jordan at a campsite in Missinaibi Lake Provincial Park, north of Chapleau, Ontario.

Release and reception

Backcountry premiered in 2014 and was shown at the Toronto International Film Festival. It was later released to generally positive reviews.

Key facts

  • Backcountry is the feature directorial debut of Adam MacDonald, premiering in 2014.
  • The film is loosely based on the 2005 bear attack on Jacqueline Perry and Mark Jordan near Missinaibi Lake Provincial Park in Ontario.
  • The film was shot in 16 days and produced with support from Telefilm Canada and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.
  • The film was shown at the Toronto International Film Festival and received generally positive reviews.
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Canadian context

Backcountry is a Canadian film made with Canadian funding support and inspired by a real Ontario bear attack near Missinaibi Lake Provincial Park.

Frequently asked questions

Is Backcountry based on a true story?
Yes, it is loosely inspired by a 2005 bear attack on a couple in Ontario, Canada.
Who directed Backcountry?
Backcountry was written and directed by Adam MacDonald.
What genre is Backcountry?
It is usually classified as a survival horror film, with adventure, drama, and thriller elements.
Who stars in Backcountry?
The main cast includes Missy Peregrym, Jeff Roop, Eric Balfour, and Nicholas Campbell.
Where is Backcountry set?
It is set in the Canadian wilderness, with the story involving a fictional provincial park in the backcountry.
Was Backcountry filmed in Canada?
Yes, it is a Canadian film and was supported by Canadian funding bodies.

References

  1. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2944198/
    Supports: Release year, runtime, genres, plot premise, and note that the story is based on real events involving Jacqueline Perry and Mark Jordan.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/backcountry
    Supports: Director, writer, production companies, runtime, rating, genre, and synopsis.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backcountry_(film)
    Supports: Canadian film identification, feature directorial debut, TIFF premiere, and general release context.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2944198/trivia/?item=tr2433171
    Supports: Filming in 16 days, fictional park name, and connection to the 2005 Ontario bear attack.
  5. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/backcountry-2015
    Supports: Critical reception and characterization as a wilderness thriller inspired by a true story.