Stars: Denise Wilton, Harry Walters, Izzy Kidd, Veronica Caddick
(Online screener)
Huge thanks to filmmaker Chris Newberry for reaching out and asking me to screen his award winning film Retreat. Although ashamed to have not heard of it before I heard from Chris, I am honoured I got the chance to check this out. A mind bending journey into mental health, hidden motivations and obscure narrative direction, Retreat is an absolute triumph.
Featuring Denise Wilton as Jane and Harry Walters as Jamie, a mother and son affected by tragedy, heading to the titular retreat in an attempt to benefit from some positive 'mind resetting.
On route to the venue, Jane hook ups with the first available man who shows her attention leaving Jamie to befriend his teenage daughter Matilde (Dorothea Facchini). Come morning the man who Jane spent the night with mentions he cannot find his daughter and rather than stay and help him they head off to their destination.
As the film progresses and the retreat starts to feel more like an out and out cult, the audience are thrown into a mystery rife with personal demons and the very real horrors of living with severe mental health illness.
The core cast are simply excellent and all bring something very important to proceedings. Denise Wilton plays Jane as a bit of a human car crash: wild partying, heavy drinking and a lot of pain behind her eyes. We have probably all met or know a Jane and while she is very entertaining to watch, its hard not to feel deep sympathy with her.
Harry Walters is spot on as the perpetually pissed off and embarrassed Jamie. You can literally feel his disdain at his mothers behaviour coming through the screen but at the same time empathise with the difficulties of being a young lad who just wants to have fun with people his own age. The relationship between mother and son is like a pressure cook for most of the film and I think this only comes across as effectively as it does because of the two very focused and committed performances.
Izzy Kidd as Sophia plays her role wonderfully mysterious and acerbic and her and Harry Walters play off against each other so well. Its like a battle of insults and sarcasm and I loved every minute of it. There is a clear level of growing respect and care between the two as well though that develops nicely as the film progresses.
Veronica Caddack as Sophia's adoptive mother Candice, owner of the retreat, is fantastic. Absolutely infuriating to watch and listen to which I am certain is the point. Softly spoken and almost sing-song in her delivery, Candice presents what I cannot stand about some of these types of programmes. It comes across as creepy, deliberate and insincere - for me personally, this would have sent me running back to my car immediately. But huge respect to Veronica for playing this character so well. I must highlight a scene between her and Harry towards the end that is just brimming with tension. Even though Candices' gentle and placid mask does not slip there is plenty of ill intent behind her words and demeanour. Harry on the other hand is a boiling pot of anger which Candice plays on to the hilt. Just a brilliant, brilliant scene.
Technically speaking Retreat is a beautifully made movie, the direction and cinematography totally triumph any budgetary constraints. Scenes and dialogue flow perfectly with a clear, crisp sound and pacing that keeps your interest to maximum effect.
Retreat is something a bit different (which is so very refreshing) with a lot of strengths to make it stand out among the crowd. My main advice would be go in with an open mind, do not expect any spoon feeding and pay close attention.
It would be great if you read this and decide to check the film out which you can do at the following links in the UK and USA with more territories to follow:
I hope you enjoy Retreat as much as I did!
