The psychotronic challenge of Scarecrow 2024: day 14

14. HALLOWED GROUND: made by an indigenous filmmaker or with indigenous cast members.

Bar/back

Nyla Innuksuk’s Bar/back has been on my to-do list since at least last year when it was added to Hulu, but it wasn’t until I saw the Scarecrow Day 14 message: Watch a movie “made by an indigenous filmmaker or has had indigenous cast members”— that I finally sat down to watch it.

It was a blast! Thanks, Scarecrow!

Bar/back it’s set and filmed in Nunavut (where one of my favorite Nashville Predators players, Jordin Tootoo, is from!), in the small community of Pangnirtung. For a group of local girls, what starts out as just another day of breaking petty rules, getting harassed by the police and avoiding pesky little brothers quickly turns into a literal fight for their lives when what appears to be a bear zombified polar hits them. picnic After some investigation, and a few more of the monster’s murderous attacks, they discover that a parasitic creature has invaded their land and shows no sign of stopping until the entire town is sucked.

I won’t spoil the ending, but yes, there is a “prepare for battle” montage, as well as a bad scene with an ulu knife. There are also a few sweet moments between the girls as they deal with their complicated relationships with their heritage and traditions and the need to leave home as soon as possible.

It’s not about reinventing the sci-fi movie for young people, comparisons to Attack the block i strange things they’re plentiful and inevitable, but it’s still a fun-to-watch story about young people who have to save their town from violent, blood-sucking aliens because if they don’t, no one else will. It’s also one hell of a metaphor for colonialism…but, you know, with tentacles.

Best quote: “I cut his throat with a ulu.” “Nasty! I love it.”

Snack suggestion: Gummy polar bears covered in white chocolate

the stranger is participating in the Psychotronic Scarecrow Challenge all month long! Every October, Scarecrow compiles a list of movie themes and invites people to follow along and watch a horror, sci-fi, or fantasy movie that meets the criteria. this year, strange staff join in the fun and we share our daily recommendations here at Slog! Read more about The 2024 Scarecrow Challenge and get the watchlist here. And you can track ours daily recommendations here! 💀