Cert 15
88 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong violence, horror, bloody injury detail, strong language
Here was the dilemma. I had downloaded Backtrack on itunes but it was described as a horror and so would it be suitable for a train journey to London?
Fortunately, the answer was yes because Michael Petroni's movie is less horror and more engrossing psychological thriller.
In fact, I was so riveted I was rather surprised at its lack of profile among this week's UK releases.
Backtrack stars Adrien Brody in the sort of role in which he excels as opposed to his horribly miscast outing as Tiberius in the recent Dragon Blade.
Here, he plays a psychotherapist bedeviled by memories of the past which have come to the fore after the tragic death of his young daughter.
He confides in his mentor (Sam Neill) that he believes there is a link between his patients that points to the past.
They prompt him to revisit his childhood home in the search for answers.
I shall reveal no more about the plot because it is intricate and has myriad twists from its opening minutes.
Suffice to say that the present is interwoven with dozens of flashbacks to nearly 30 years previously.
I am surprised that Backtrack hasn't benefited from wider distribution because I thought it was effective even though I was watching it on an ipad on a train when I wasn't feeling very well.
If I had seen it on the big screen it would have made me jump more than the once that it did.
Also, the elements of fantasy in the plot are neatly drawn together with a storyline which was more believeable.
And on top of that, the acting, led by Brody, Neill and Robin McLeavy was impressive.
If you cannot catch it at the cinema, try it on demand. It is worth it.
Reasons to watch: Surprising and engrossing thriller
Reasons to avoid: Might prompt nightmares
Laughs: none
Jumps: one
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 8/10
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Jenni Baird Come watch this with me? Tickets at http://eventcinemas.com.au @BacktrackMovie Sunday December 6