Alex Pettyfer
Harley Altmyer
“Twenty, sitting in a small interrogation room — unshaven and greasy-haired with dark circles beneath his eyes.”
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Synopsis
“You are the master of every situation.”
After his mother — a gritty Juliette Lewis — is imprisoned for killing his abusive father, Harley Altmyer (Alex Pettyfer) is left to care for his three younger sisters in rural Pennsylvania. Harley forgoes his college education, working dead-end jobs to pay the bills and raise his siblings, including his rebellious 16-year-old sister, Amber (Nicola Peltz).
Scarred by his past, Harley becomes infatuated with Callie Mercer (Jennifer Morrison), the older married woman who lives nearby. Things take a dangerous turn when they embark on an affair and shocking family secrets begin to emerge. As Harley's life spirals out of control, unspoken truths lead to a devastating conclusion that threatens to consume him.
Based on the Oprah's Book Club pick and New York Times bestselling novel by Tawni O'Dell, Back Roads explores the impact of family trauma with a powerful, visceral noir thriller that leaves audiences breathless until the last moment.
About the Book
Based on the New York Times bestselling novel & Oprah's Book Club pick by Tawni O'Dell.
Back Roads was adapted for the screen from the 1999 NYT bestselling novel of the same name. The book was O'Dell's debut, sold millions of copies worldwide, and became an Oprah's Book Club pick of the month in 2000.
Read more about O'Dell's inspiration for Back Roads here, as well as her experience being on Oprah — The Oprah Effect — here.
Tawni O'Dell
Author · Screenwriter
A note from Tawni O'Dell, NYT bestselling author & award-winning screenwriter of Back Roads
Dear readers and fans,
The journey to bring my New York Times bestselling novel to the screen has been a long, challenging one with many detours along the way. For years I've listened to fans of the book ask, “Why hasn't it been made into a movie?” I wondered the same thing.
Then along came Alex Pettyfer, a passionate young actor who had wanted to play Harley for a long time. The opportunity arose for him and his producing partner, Craig Robinson, to take over the film — and for Alex to direct. His directorial debut: a daunting challenge for him, and a nerve-racking one for me.
Read the full note →
The first time I saw Back Roads I was too freaked out to enjoy it. The second time, I began to wonder if it truly was as good as I thought. So I paid attention to people leaving the theater. They weren't on their phones or talking about dinner — they were talking about the film.
The third time, I let myself go and became immersed in what I was seeing. I was so impressed with what Alex did with the material and with the performances of the cast. They had brought my characters to life.
Now I'm looking forward to seeing Back Roads a fourth time, and I can honestly, happily say: I love this film. I think you will, too.
Enjoy, Tawni O'Dell
The Family
The Altmyers
From the Film
Stills
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Watch Back Roads
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News & Reviews
What They're Saying
Deadline
August 16, 2018
Alex Pettyfer's directorial debut film ‘Back Roads’ lands at Samuel Goldwyn. — By Amanda N'Duka
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Reel News Daily
May 8, 2018
“Tribeca Film Festival: ‘Back Roads’ is rural noir.” — By Melissa Hanson
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Nerdy Babble
May 2, 2018
Back Roads: Book vs. Movie. Getting to see the final product come to life felt like an incredible honor.
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Film Threat
April 30, 2018
A dark, claustrophobic thriller that stays on your mind long after viewing. — Review by Chuck Foster
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Salon
April 26, 2018
“I think self-doubt comes from wanting to find the truth” — Alex Pettyfer on Back Roads, by Gary M. Kramer
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Slash Film
April 24, 2018
‘Back Roads’ Review: Alex Pettyfer makes a promising directorial debut [Tribeca]. — Review by Marshall Shaffer
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Variety
April 22, 2018
“Alex Pettyfer opens up about celebrity and directing his sexy drama ‘Back Roads’.” — By Brent Lang
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Deadline
April 21, 2018
Alex Pettyfer discusses his transition to directing with ‘Back Roads’ — Tribeca Studio. By Matt Grobar
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The Wrap
April 21, 2018
Alex Pettyfer's directorial debut follows a twisty path. The actor isn't afraid to go dark. — Review by Dan Callahan
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Keith Loves Movies
April 21, 2018
Tribeca 2018: Back Roads Review. — Review by Keith Noakes
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Variety
April 14, 2017
Alex Pettyfer to make directorial debut with ‘Back Roads’ (Exclusive). — By Robert Mitchell
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Tribeca Film Festival
April 2018 · Spotlight Narrative
Pettyfer deals masterfully with a layered screenplay and elicits moving performances from the entire cast. — By Karen Kemmerle
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