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Slash/Back (2022) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Slash/Back (2022) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2022 · 86 min · English
Echo score 68
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Directed by
Nyla Innuksuk
Starring
Natar Ungalaaq, Shaun Benson, Alexis Wolfe, Amélie Albert-LeBlanc, Chelsea Prusky, Frankie Vincent-Wolfe

During an endless Arctic summer in the remote village of Pangnirtung, a tight-knit group of teenagers face an unexpected and terrifying invasion. Led by Maika, the friends utilize their ingenuity and knowledge of horror films to construct makeshift defenses. They discover that even in the most isolated communities, underestimating the resourcefulness of young women can have dire consequences.

Adventure Sci-Fi Horror Cast, crew & box office
On this page (9)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (4)
  3. 3 Character relationship map
  4. 4 Where & when it takes place
  5. 5 Themes & meaning (3)
  6. 6 Character & meaning questions
  7. 7 Movie threads
  8. 8 Movies like Slash/Back
  9. 9 Every angle
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4 main characters · contains spoilers

Slash/Back Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Slash/Back (2022), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Maika

    played by Tasiana Shirley

    Maika is a determined and bold teenager who embodies a spirit of adventure. She demonstrates bravery throughout the film, especially when she saves her sister from a polar bear. Her father's teachings about hunting guide her actions and decisions, allowing her to rise to the occasion in critical moments.

    • 👧 Young Adult
    • 🔫 Hunter

  • Uki

    played by Nalajoss Ellsworth

    Uki is a curious and brave girl, intrigued by the mysteries around her. Her exploration leads to pivotal discoveries, like the alien artifact, and she plays a crucial role in the girls’ fight for survival. Her willingness to confront danger demonstrates her growth from innocence to resilience.

    • 👧 Explorer
    • 🔍 Inquisitive

  • Jesse

    played by Alexis Wolfe

    Jesse is part of the group of adventurous friends who embarks on the dangerous trip. She displays loyalty and courage during their harrowing experiences, helping to strategize and confront the Skins. Jesse's character adds depth to the dynamics of the group as they tackle challenges head-on.

    • 👧 Loyal Friend
    • 🤝 Team Player

  • Thomassie

    played by Rory Anawak

    Thomassie is a brave and resourceful character who aids the girls in their fight against the Skin. He arrives at a crucial moment, showcasing his skills and solidarity. His presence brings hope and reinforces the theme of camaraderie and support among the community.

    • 🧑 Adventurer
    • 🏍️ Supporter

Last updated: October 23, 2026 at 12:19

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4 characters · 3 connections · contains spoilers

Slash/Back Character Relationship Map

Who is connected to whom in Slash/Back: family, love, friendships, rivalries and hidden ties, colour-coded. Pick a character to see their side of the story, or a connection to see what brings two characters together.

MMaikaTasiana ShirleyUUkiNalajoss EllsworthJJesseAlexis WolfeMFMaika's father

Last updated: October 23, 2026 at 12:19

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Setting

Where and When Does Slash/Back Take Place?

The setting of Slash/Back (2022): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

The events of the movie take place in a contemporary setting, reflecting the everyday lives of the young girls in a modern Inuit community. The story highlights their transition from ordinary life to extraordinary challenges, showcasing themes of bravery and resilience.

Location

Pangnirtung, Nunavut

Pangnirtung, located in Nunavut, Canada, is a remote and picturesque community known for its stunning natural beauty and harsh Arctic environment. The town is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and is situated along the coast, making it a unique spot where traditional Inuit culture meets the challenges of modern life.

  • 🏞️ Landscape
  • 🌊 Adventure

Last updated: October 23, 2026 at 12:19

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3 major themes

Slash/Back Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Slash/Back (2022) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Coming of Age

    The film explores the theme of coming of age as four teenage girls face unforeseen dangers and navigate their own fears. Each girl embarks on a journey of self-discovery, showcasing their growth and courage in the face of life-threatening situations.

  • Supernatural Horror

    Slash/Back delves into supernatural horror as the girls encounter bizarre and terrifying elements, such as alien artifacts and transformed beings called Skins. The film blends elements of traditional horror with cultural aspects of the Inuit community, creating a unique narrative.

  • Bravery

    Bravery is a central theme, illustrated by the girls' decision to confront terrifying threats without adult supervision. Their actions reflect courage and teamwork as they unify to protect one another and reclaim their safety, ultimately standing up against extraordinary challenges.

Last updated: October 23, 2026 at 12:19

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Character & theme questions

Slash/Back Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Slash/Back (2022): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is Slash/Back set?

Slash/Back is set in Pangnirtung, a remote community in Nunavut, Canada. This Arctic village is known for its stunning mountain landscapes and coastal location, where traditional Inuit culture meets modern life.

  • setting
  • location
  • pangnirtung
  • nunavut
  • arctic
Q2

What kind of environment is shown in Slash/Back?

The movie takes place in the harsh yet beautiful Arctic environment of Pangnirtung. The setting contrasts traditional Inuit life with the challenges of a remote northern community, creating a unique backdrop for the story.

  • arctic environment
  • nunavut landscape
  • northwest territories
Q3

When does Slash/Back take place?

Slash/Back is set in contemporary times, reflecting the everyday lives of teenagers in a modern Inuit community. The story unfolds during an endless Arctic summer, transitioning from ordinary life to extraordinary challenges.

  • time period
  • modern
  • contemporary
  • summer
Q4

What are the main themes of Slash/Back?

The film explores three core themes: coming of age as the girls face danger and discover their strengths; supernatural horror through alien encounters and terrifying transformations; and bravery as the teenagers confront threats without adult help.

  • themes
  • coming of age
  • horror
  • bravery
  • supernatural
Q5

Is Slash/Back a coming-of-age movie?

Yes, Slash/Back is fundamentally a coming-of-age story. Four teenage girls navigate unforeseen dangers and confront their fears, undergoing significant self-discovery and growth as they face life-threatening situations.

  • coming of age
  • teenagers
  • girls
  • growth
Q6

What horror elements are in Slash/Back?

Slash/Back blends supernatural horror with Inuit cultural elements. The girls encounter alien artifacts and transformed beings called Skins, creating a unique horror narrative that combines classic genre tropes with Arctic cultural context.

  • horror
  • supernatural
  • aliens
  • skins
  • monsters
Q7

Who are the main characters in Slash/Back?

The story centers on four teenage girls: Maika, the bold leader guided by her father's hunting knowledge; Uki, the curious discoverer of the alien artifact; Jesse, the loyal strategist; and supporting characters who unite to face the invasion.

  • characters
  • maika
  • uki
  • jesse
  • teenagers
Q8

Who is Maika in Slash/Back?

Maika is the determined and bold teenage protagonist who leads the group through the crisis. Her father's hunting teachings guide her actions, and she demonstrates particular bravery when saving her sister from danger.

  • maika
  • protagonist
  • leader
  • hunting
Q9

What is Uki's role in Slash/Back?

Uki is the curious and brave girl whose exploration leads to pivotal discoveries, including the alien artifact. Her journey represents a transition from innocence to resilience as she confronts danger alongside her friends.

  • uki
  • curiosity
  • alien artifact
  • discovery
Q10

What happens to the teenage girls in Slash/Back?

During an endless Arctic summer in Pangnirtung, a group of teenage friends faces an unexpected alien invasion. Led by Maika, they use their knowledge of horror films to construct makeshift defenses and fight to protect their community.

  • teenagers
  • girls
  • invasion
  • survival
  • defense

Movie threads

More Movies Like Slash/Back, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Slash/Back tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Resourceful Teen Survival Movies like Slash/Back

Young heroes use their wits and camaraderie to survive a sudden, terrifying invasion. If you liked the teens-vs-aliens action in Slash/Back, explore other movies where young heroes face monstrous threats. These similar Sci-Fi and Horror stories feature fast-paced survival, clever strategies, and the power of teamwork against impossible odds.

  • suspenseful
  • resourceful
  • terrifying
  • anxious
  • hopeful
  • tense
  • Tone: tense, hopeful
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves an ordinary day violently interrupted by an inciting threat, forcing the young protagonists to quickly adapt. They discover their own resourcefulness, often battling the skepticism of adults, to become the primary force fighting for survival. The journey is one of rapid escalation, forging bonds under pressure, and achieving an unlikely but earned victory.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the 'teens vs. monster' dynamic, the fast-paced, high-stakes survival scenarios, and the triumphant tone of youthful ingenuity overcoming a terrifying force.

Kids vs. Aliens movie poster

Kids vs. Aliens

2023
Alien Agent movie poster

Alien Agent

2007
2025 Armageddon movie poster

2025 Armageddon

2022
Alien Siege movie poster

Alien Siege

2005
Destroy All Monsters movie poster

Destroy All Monsters

1968
Alien Apocalypse movie poster

Alien Apocalypse

2005
Iron Invader movie poster

Iron Invader

2011
Ben 10 Alien Swarm movie poster

Ben 10 Alien Swarm

2009

Isolated Community Survival Horror like Slash/Back

A small, remote community becomes the frontline in a desperate fight for survival. Fans of the remote Arctic setting in Slash/Back will enjoy other movies where an isolated community battles for survival. Discover similar tense horror and sci-fi films set in small towns, remote outposts, or confined spaces under siege from a terrifying force.

  • claustrophobic
  • suspenseful
  • terrifying
  • anxious
  • desperate
  • tense
  • Tone: claustrophobic, tense, anxious
  • Pacing: fast, escalating
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative unfolds within the tight boundaries of the community, emphasizing the shared fear and collective action required to endure. The conflict tests social structures and individual limits, as characters who know each other intimately must work together or fracture under pressure. The resolution typically hinges on the group's unique knowledge of their environment and their willingness to sacrifice for one another.

Why they belong together: These films are linked by the powerful combination of a claustrophobic, isolated setting and a high-stakes survival plot. The experience is defined by the tension of being trapped and the resourcefulness born from limited options.

Silent Warnings movie poster

Silent Warnings

2003
Village of the Damned movie poster

Village of the Damned

1960
Sound of Horror movie poster

Sound of Horror

1966
Unearthed movie poster

Unearthed

2007
It! The Terror from Beyond Space movie poster

It! The Terror from Beyond Space

1958
Monsters movie poster

Monsters

2010
Containment movie poster

Containment

2015
Alien Outpost movie poster

Alien Outpost

2015

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Every angle

Slash/Back (2022) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Slash/Back in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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