The life of Peter Bower, a psychologist, who after the death of his daughter in a car accident, struggles against seeing ghosts, has been turned upside down, when he returns to his family home to be shocked by knowing the truth.
The film is part psychological thriller, part horror movie, and the horror elements deliver some solid frights. Mr. Brody isn't asked to stretch much, but he does his usual thing adroitly.
Brody fills out his wafer-thin role with more conviction than it truly deserves, and like fellow former Best Actor Oscar-winner Nicolas Cage, is an expert at keeping a straight face in bent circumstances.
Fright fans more interested in thematic depth than visceral thrills may appreciate what writer-director Michael Petroni attempts, but even they'd likely admit there's not much to savor.
Brody does his best, and that initial idea - of a shrink seeing spooks - is fun, even if it's awfully familiar. But the movie really doesn't stand up to further analysis.
Backtrack has a classy, downcast aesthetic that feels a bit like an old piece of furniture melted down and turned into celluloid, or a film infused with the fabric of a chesterfield.
Along with excellent work by cinematographer Stefan Duscio and composer Dale Cornelius, Petroni elicits sharp performances from his estimable cast, especially Adrien Brody.
