Photo: XYZ Films

Backspot isn’t your typical cheerleading movie. The squad isn’t cheering on boys. There isn’t a rivalry against another team, and no one is tearing another person down. Backspot is about the internal struggle of Riley, a competitive cheerleader who is so focused on the sport that other aspects of her life fall by the wayside. Her idolization of her coach Eileen may take a toll on her relationship. Backspot is now getting a wider release after premiering at TIFF and SXSW.

The film stars Devery Jacobs, Kudakwashe Rutendo, Thomas Antony Olajide, Noa DiBerto, Olunike Adeliyi, Wendy Crewson, Shannyn Sossamon, and Evan Rachel Wood.

I talked to Devery Jacobs, who produces the film and plays Riley, about how she prepared for the role and got into Rilely’s headspace, her love for Legally Blonde: The Musical, how she picks roles that represent her indigenous background but aren’t trauma porn.

Check out my interview with director D.W. Waterson below.

Backspot is in theatres on May 31st.