Backstroke ending explained: What happened to Jake and Amber?

Backstroke is a 2017 horror short film written and directed by Robbie Barclay. The nearly 11-minute long film stars Josefine Christoffersen, Tom Frank, Shemar Jones, and Lynn Sher. The official synopsis of the film reads,

Two runaway teens steal a car with dreams of driving down to Florida, but things take a turn when a stranger appears with unknown intentions.

The horror thriller film reportedly received acclaim upon its release. In recent years, it has gained momentum after one of its scenes was shared as a snippet on TikTok. The film’s ending brings the entire story to a climax and showcases the fate of its main characters, Amber and Jake. So, let’s explore the details of the ending.

What is the plot of Backstroke?

A still from Backstroke | Image via Alter YouTube

Backstroke revolves around two teenagers, Amber and Jake. The two steal a vehicle, which they plan to use to reach Florida. However, their plans are thwarted when they encounter a stranger, and their situation takes a drastic turn for the worse.

Luc La’mour is the producer of the film, while Dylan Glatthorn has composed the music.

How does Backstroke end?

The story of Backstroke begins with a voice note recording of Amber's parents asking her to come back. Meanwhile, Amber and Jake are escaping to Florida in a stolen car. The two take a rest, but when Amber wakes up, she can't find Jake around her. Eventually, she finds him, and the two start playing around. However, suddenly, a stranger shows up and starts questioning them. Amber is unable to find Jake, and she begins to believe that the stranger was right when he said Jake had passed away.

We see Jake trying to contact Amber, but she drives away, leaving the area in her car. The final scene of the film showcases two hands approaching her neck as she is driving while Jake is continuously calling her. The ending leaves viewers with many questions, leaving it up to them to interpret what happens.

We can assume that the pair of hands belong to the mysterious man who was interrogating her and that he has managed to convince her that Jake is no longer alive. However, the visuals make it clear that Jake is alive—there is simply a misunderstanding, and Amber believes he is dead.

The overall storyline of Backstroke touches upon the rebellious phase of teenagers, who often make impulsive decisions. Sometimes, such choices can have deadly ramifications, as seen with the protagonists of this short film. It also serves as a cautionary tale about how wrong decisions can impact one's life.

Another theme in this gripping short film is the danger of taking deserted routes while traveling. It explores a common horror trope seen in many "trip gone wrong" films. The rebellious teenagers' disagreement with their parents might also highlight the importance of listening to elders. However, like any other art form, Backstroke is open to interpretation, and viewers can take away different meanings from its story.

The film can be watched on the YouTube channel Alter.