"Retreat" is a 2011 British horror-thriller film which marks Carl Tibbetts directorial debut. Filmed in Scotland and Wales, this low-budget film is intentionally very isolated and remote film and puts an extremely small cast of great actors into a confined situation to drive the tension.
Martin and Kate Kennedy (Murphy & Newton) aren't happy. Their relationship is tense after Kate's recent miscarriage and in an attempt to rekindle the love for each other they decide to stay on a remote island away from society in a small cottage which have they stayed in during happier times. Fairweather Cottage on the Blackholme Island is in the middle of nowhere - in fact, the island only has one building and that is where the couple are staying. Doug (Yuill) is their only contact with the outside world, and when the houses generator blows up and injures Martin, he is called to help them. While waiting for Doug an injured and unconscious soldier washes up on the beach. Private Jack Coleman (Bell) tells them that there has been a viral outbreak of Argromoto Flu, codenamed R1N16. It started in South America and has since spread around the entire World. It is a fatal virus with a 100% fatality rate. Victims choke to death on their own blood as it attacks their respiratory system. The couple initially believe Jack, but over time they begin to doubt him. Is the virus real, or is he a lunatic madman intent on keeping them prisoner on the remote island?
This film is very minimalistic and sparce. There are only 5 actors credited with appearing in the film, and they are in a desolate landscape which makes them feel like the only people in the world. With more dialogue than action, it is up to the cast to bring their A game to drive the story and work the tension so that the film is not a let-down. Thankfully, they manage this for the majority of the film otherwise this would have been a dull film. There are times where the writing could have enhanced the film, or where unnecessary plot-holes popped up, but working with what they have Murphy, Newton, and Bell do really well.
I hate to find issues with everything (but I usually do), but I found that the film didn't quite live up to the potential it had. This could have been a really great film, but instead felt more like a missed opportunity as there were quite a few times where I felt underwhelmed. This is perhaps down to the first-time director not having the experience to smooth out minor issues which could have made the film play out a little better. Still, credit where credit is due - he still brings audiences a wonderfully tense film which allows the stars to shine brightly.
This low-budget thriller has some excellent cinematography and despite some minor flaws still delivers a decent tense experience thanks to great acting.
Martin and Kate Kennedy (Murphy & Newton) aren't happy. Their relationship is tense after Kate's recent miscarriage and in an attempt to rekindle the love for each other they decide to stay on a remote island away from society in a small cottage which have they stayed in during happier times. Fairweather Cottage on the Blackholme Island is in the middle of nowhere - in fact, the island only has one building and that is where the couple are staying. Doug (Yuill) is their only contact with the outside world, and when the houses generator blows up and injures Martin, he is called to help them. While waiting for Doug an injured and unconscious soldier washes up on the beach. Private Jack Coleman (Bell) tells them that there has been a viral outbreak of Argromoto Flu, codenamed R1N16. It started in South America and has since spread around the entire World. It is a fatal virus with a 100% fatality rate. Victims choke to death on their own blood as it attacks their respiratory system. The couple initially believe Jack, but over time they begin to doubt him. Is the virus real, or is he a lunatic madman intent on keeping them prisoner on the remote island?
This film is very minimalistic and sparce. There are only 5 actors credited with appearing in the film, and they are in a desolate landscape which makes them feel like the only people in the world. With more dialogue than action, it is up to the cast to bring their A game to drive the story and work the tension so that the film is not a let-down. Thankfully, they manage this for the majority of the film otherwise this would have been a dull film. There are times where the writing could have enhanced the film, or where unnecessary plot-holes popped up, but working with what they have Murphy, Newton, and Bell do really well.
I hate to find issues with everything (but I usually do), but I found that the film didn't quite live up to the potential it had. This could have been a really great film, but instead felt more like a missed opportunity as there were quite a few times where I felt underwhelmed. This is perhaps down to the first-time director not having the experience to smooth out minor issues which could have made the film play out a little better. Still, credit where credit is due - he still brings audiences a wonderfully tense film which allows the stars to shine brightly.
This low-budget thriller has some excellent cinematography and despite some minor flaws still delivers a decent tense experience thanks to great acting.