Watch Backfire

Backfire is a 1987 thriller directed by Gilbert Cates, with a cast that includes Karen Allen, Keith Carradine, and Jeff Fahey. The movie tells the story of Mara McAndrews (Allen), a photojournalist working for a magazine in New York City. Mara’s life is turned upside down when she starts receiving mysterious phone calls from a stranger who knows details about her past that she thought were buried. Her curiosity piqued, Mara begins to investigate her family history, and discovers a dark secret that her parents (played by Dean Stockwell and Donna Mitchell) have been hiding from her.

Meanwhile, Mara is assigned by her boss (played by Bernie Casey) to cover the trial of a man named Franklin Hill (Fahey), who is accused of murdering his wife and daughter. Mara is initially reluctant to take on the assignment, but is convinced by her boss that it will make a great story.

As Mara continues to dig deeper into her family’s past, she is drawn into a dangerous game with Hill, who seems to know more about her than he should. Mara becomes convinced that Hill is somehow linked to the secrets that her parents have been hiding, and she soon finds herself in grave danger.

The tension in the movie builds steadily throughout, as Mara’s investigations get increasingly dangerous and her life is repeatedly threatened. The performances are solid throughout, with Allen doing an excellent job as the plucky journalist who will stop at nothing to get to the truth. She is well-matched by Carradine, who plays a detective assigned to protect Mara, and Fahey, who brings a chilling intensity to his portrayal of Franklin Hill.

There are several standout scenes in the film, including one in which Mara confronts her parents about their past, and another in which she is pursued through the streets of New York by Hill’s henchmen. The climax of the movie is both thrilling and satisfying, with several surprising twists and turns that keep the audience guessing until the very end.

Overall, Backfire is a well-crafted thriller that keeps the viewer engaged from start to finish. The combination of a strong cast, tight pacing, and a compelling story make it a must-see for fans of the genre.