WATCH NOW
This movie, THE RETREAT, is an LGBT thriller that runs for 82 minutes. Although I expected it to be good, based on the trailer, I never thought it would be this brutal and good.
I can only say that this movie was much better than I had ever dared hope. Primarily, it completely builds an enchanting little world with a survival plot that is badass. Oh yes, there will be blood, a couple of bodies, and interesting characters played by wonderful actors.
This film, like What Keeps You Alive, does not indulge in any of the popular worst LGBT stereotypes cringe tropes. This is mostly because the characters in this movie are more than their sexuality. But we do get people who clearly don’t have an issue with the same sex.
Now, you may assume this is always the case simply because two ladies kissing at face value looks appealing. However, as a gay woman let me assure you that it is clear when the performers are doing friendly kissing in contrast to the more heated ones. That’s always a letdown because it shatters the illusion of these two being a couple. Also, on a side note, this survival horror film does not simply feature gay characters as leads for the sake of it. The LGBTQ element of this tale is especially essential to its survival aspect because the villains are actively hunting gay individuals. Since The Retreat is a Canadian production, we do get to see quite a few Canadian actors whom you will likely know from other films or TV series. For me, Aaron Ashmore is definitely a familiar face. Most recently from the Netflix horror fantasy series Locke & Key (read our season 1 review here).
I wasn’t expecting to see Munro Chambers in this movie, but he absolutely delivers in a small, yet pivotal role. For those that don’t know him, Chambers appeared in the cult movie Turbo Kid back in 2015. I unfortunately have not seen the movie before this, but I absolutely loved his performances in Knuckleball and Harpoon. With The Retreat, he’s become a true favorite of mine!
While I had never suspected so, these two actresses are lead performers and have rather impressive IMDB resumes. Killjoys and Bitten star Tommie-Amber Pirie portrays the tough and independent Renee, while Raya Allen from The Expanse and Being Human plays the somewhat unconditionally loving, yet understanding Valerie. Both are great at what they do and fucking amazing at what they do in this movie.
As expected from the director of The Retreat, he has previously worked on several LGBT movies and series which, let’s be honest, are God awful. But at least Mills understands how to tell stories properly so there’s at least that. Let’s be honest, he directed a wonderful gay Christmas movie on Lifetime last holiday season, so it’s clear that he understands the tears in these tales. But with this film, he is unbelievably competent in the horror genre, Pat Mills truly has something special.
As for the script, it was Alyson Richards who penned the story and collaborated with Pat Mills in the past.
I did in fact have fairly high expectations for The Retreat, and yes, this movie was even more than what I ever would have dared wish for. The story is very engaging (and far too realistic) and all the actors deliver wonderful performances. So my point is simply this The Retreat is worth watching because this movie gets all the elements right, including the elaborate survival horror plot.
To watch more movies like The Retreat (2021), visit 123Movies
Also watch for more movies like:
