An Olympic rower in training, 29-year-old Abigail (Sarah Megan Thomas, also writer and producer) has spent the past 10 years locked in a rigorous routine of racing, eating and sleeping. Relegated to team alternate, she quits in frustration and moves back home, reconnecting with her prickly mom (Margaret Colin) and an ex (James Van Der Beek) who gets her a job coaching crew at the high school where he’s head of athletics.
In the wake of the London games, this look at the enduring psychological and physical stresses of Olympic training is a timely subject. But director Ben Hickernell soft-pedals the material into a blandly feel-good dramedy. As Abigail’s spirited young trainees, Alexandra Metz and Meredith Apfelbaum give “Backwards” their all, but can’t row their way clear of its clichés.