The Retreat 2021

Art & Craft

ART: The film’s visual craftsmanship is hampered by an underlit palette and a predominance of murky beige tones that obscure detail. Editing inconsistencies further disrupt flow, leading to a choppy rhythm that detracts from tension. Although some sequences exhibit lean pacing, the overall production design fails to elevate the horror atmosphere.

Character & Emotion

CHARACTER: The lead actresses deliver energetic performances that occasionally spark genuine engagement, providing the film’s most compelling moments. Their chemistry fuels the action, yet the broader cast suffers from shallow development, limiting emotional depth. The representation of gay characters feels surface‑level, offering inclusion without substantive exploration, which tempers the overall character impact.

Story & Flow

STORY: The narrative adheres to familiar horror tropes, presenting a predictably structured weekend getaway gone awry. While the premise introduces a socially relevant conflict, the plot’s progression relies on recycled twists and offers limited originality. Pacing fluctuates between brisk chase sequences and slower exposition, resulting in an overall uneven storytelling experience.

Sensory Experience

SENSORY: The film’s sound design delivers effective gore cues and occasional spikes of tension, yet the muted visual palette undermines atmospheric richness. Musical motifs are sparingly used, providing limited thematic cohesion. While certain action scenes convey kinetic energy, the overall sensory presentation feels uneven, preventing a fully immersive horror environment.

Rewatch Factor

REWATCH: The Retreat offers limited incentive for multiple viewings; its predictable plot and uneven pacing diminish novelty on subsequent watches. Though the lead performances retain some charisma, the lack of narrative depth and visual distinctiveness reduces lasting appeal. Consequently, the film functions as a one‑time genre diversion rather than a rewatchable favorite.