Backmask (2025)

-Written by Kyle Bain.

Faced with writer's block, and looking for a new sound, rock star Billy Chapman (David Shields) cuts himself off from the world. Secluded in his home, the struggling musician begins to lose part of himself–haunted by what could me. Backmask tells the tale of a tortured artist willing to go too far to find success. Something insidious certainly lies ahead, and that something just might be Billy. 

A psychological slowburn, Backmask tackles emotional trauma that transcends far more than just the music industry. The film certainly has the potential to appeal to musicians and those that have experienced the process of making music–beyond the standard moviegoer. However, at the film’s core is something honest, visceral, almost tangible that hits a series of emotional notes throughout, often perpetuated by Shields and the meticulously developed script provided by Writer-Directors Chris Baker and Matt Fitch. 

Shields’ face is often aggressively framed, creating a sense of unease that transcends Backmask. The attention to detail is, again, one of the most important aspects of Backmask–and repeatedly framing Shields in a way that creates unease and drama is a brilliant way of ensuring that viewers remain engaged and immersed. Additionally, however, is the fact that Shields is interestingly both unassuming and powerful. He’s the perfect person for the job, someone that exists in a series of places on the emotional spectrum, able to hit them all–remaining accessible throughout. 

A visceral and poignant psychological horror, Backmask challenges societal norms and the emotional struggles faced by us all each and every day. While using a [sort of] unfamiliar situation in developing music and the struggle that comes with it–Baker and Fitch manage to make it accessible to all–effectively showcasing the reality that life is hard. As we face our toughest moments in life, how we attempt to overcome them ultimately defines us–and not necessarily whether or not we are actually successful. Backmask uses that as the springboard for the film’s accessibility. The film continues to subtly lean into that throughout, and the film remains emotionally and dramatically available as a result. 

Backmask is a film that works really well for general audiences, though I feel that it would appeal much more thoroughly to those in the music industry that understand and appreciate this process. Again, I feel that Bill’s approach toward creating music and the attention to detail on the part of this team, is what will allow the film to appeal to a wider audience, not necessarily the fact that he’s making music. Backmask is a heavy film that dives into uncomfortable topics, but does it in a way that allows the film to flow smoothly, even in those intentionally frumpy moments. Fitch, Baker, and Director of Photography Sy Turnbull (what a cool name!) continue to find ways to feature Shields, to make him larger than life. He’s ultimately the lifeblood of the film that allows everything else to fall into place, and his acting prowess propels Backmask forward at nearly every moment. 

Written & Directed by Chris Baker & Matt Fitch.

Starring David Shields, Charlie Rix, Jennie Eggleton, & Abi Haberfield. 

8/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING