Four teenage Inuit girls from Pangnirtung battle blood-sucking parasitic aliens in the flawed but endearing debut feature from Nyla Innuksuk, Slash/Back.
We’ve all seen our fair share of alien invasion blockbusters that are set in a large city or nation of power and all hit the same beats. In this charming little film, not only is it set in Pangnirtung with all indigenous unknown actors, but it mixes genres with modern comedy, coming of age (think Stranger Things) and sci-fi horror (most notably influenced by John Carpenter’s The Thing, which is also referenced in dialogue with its synopsis).
Maika (Tasiana Shirley) and her three friends all have distinct characteristics but all share a rebellious nature that leads to them banding together to combat the alien threat – with our main heroine being ashamed of her Inuit heritage which is shown by her refusing to speak her parent’s native language when around them. The aliens themselves are very reminiscent of the aforementioned The Thing and even a bit of War of the Worlds with the ship that crash landed rooting itself into the earth and beginning to spread. Their design when they take over the local wildlife and population evokes memories of Annihilation and a bit of the uncanny valley with stretchy-rubbery faces as if they aren’t quite sure how to really hide in plain sight.
With all of the appealing indie-feeling elements of the film, it is hampered quite heavily by all of these limitations in its overall presentation and staying power. It is great to see local talent being used for an on-set adventure but some of the moments fail to hit the mark because of their inexperience along with some of the effects being borderline silly that you have to really suspend your disbelief. However, the nature of the story and the natural chemistry of the cast does paper over those cracks.
Although hindered in parts by its low budget and inexperienced cast, Slash/Back bodes a creative director and the natural chemistry between the cast creates a wonderful charm and playfulness that makes the 90-minute runtime still very enjoyable.
Slash/Back premieres on Shudder Friday, November 13th
