The Retreat (2020 film)

The Retreat (2020) poster

The Retreat is a 2020 horror film directed by Bruce Wemple and written by Rick Spalla. The film explores the themes of survival, nature, and human psychology, set against the backdrop of a remote wilderness. It stars Grant Schumacher, Dylan Grunn, and Chris Cimperman in leading roles. The story follows two friends who embark on a hiking trip in the Adirondack High Peaks of Upstate New York, only to discover that they are not alone in the wilderness.

Plot

The film begins with Gus (Grant Schumacher) and Adam (Dylan Grunn), who decide to take a break from their daily lives and go on a hiking trip in the Adirondack Mountains. Their adventure takes a sinister turn when they realize they are being stalked by an unseen presence in the woods. As they delve deeper into the wilderness, they encounter a mysterious figure, who is revealed to be a survivalist (Chris Cimperman) with a dark secret. The trio's struggle for survival becomes a psychological battle as well as a physical one, as they face not only the threats of the wilderness but also the human dangers lurking within it.

Cast

• Grant Schumacher as Gus
• Dylan Grunn as Adam
• Chris Cimperman as The Survivalist
• Rick Montgomery Jr. as a Ranger

Production

The production of The Retreat took place primarily in the Adirondack Mountains, utilizing the natural landscape to enhance the film's atmosphere of isolation and danger. The director, Bruce Wemple, aimed to create a horror film that not only delivered scares but also delved into the complexities of human nature when faced with extreme situations. The screenplay by Rick Spalla focuses on the psychological aspects of survival, emphasizing the tension and dynamics between the characters.

Reception

Upon its release, The Retreat received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film for its atmospheric setting and psychological depth, while others criticized it for pacing issues and predictability. However, the performances of the lead actors were generally well-received, with particular commendation for their portrayal of the characters' descent into desperation and madness.

Themes

The film explores several themes, including survival, the unpredictability of nature, and the psychological effects of isolation. It examines how extreme conditions can strip away societal norms and reveal the primal instincts lying beneath the surface of human behavior. The presence of the survivalist character adds an additional layer to the narrative, challenging the protagonists' perceptions of what it means to survive.

See Also

• Survival film
• Horror film
• Films set in forests