The Retreat (2020)

Review Team

3/5

The Retreat, directed by Bruce Wemple, attempts to carve its niche within the horror genre by drawing on the chilling lore of the Wendigo. The film follows a man who, after a harrowing encounter during a backpacking trip, finds himself battling not only the creature but also his own deteriorating sa ... Show more >> The Retreat, directed by Bruce Wemple, attempts to carve its niche within the horror genre by drawing on the chilling lore of the Wendigo. The film follows a man who, after a harrowing encounter during a backpacking trip, finds himself battling not only the creature but also his own deteriorating sanity. While the premise is intriguing, the execution feels somewhat uneven. The cinematography captures the eerie beauty of the Adirondacks effectively, and the atmosphere is palpable. However, character development leaves much to be desired, resulting in a narrative that occasionally feels thin. The lead performance does a commendable job of portraying fear and desperation, yet it lacks the depth to fully engage the audience. Overall, The Retreat offers moments of tension and terror but may not resonate with every viewer, particularly those seeking a more profound character-driven story. Show less

Editor Team

2/5

The Retreat is a mixed bag that tries hard to create a sense of dread but often stumbles along the way. The premise of facing a legendary creature in the wilderness is promising, but the film feels more like a collection of horror clichés than an original story. While the setting is visually stunnin ... Show more >> The Retreat is a mixed bag that tries hard to create a sense of dread but often stumbles along the way. The premise of facing a legendary creature in the wilderness is promising, but the film feels more like a collection of horror clichés than an original story. While the setting is visually stunning, the pacing drags as our protagonist wanders aimlessly, battling fear and hallucinations. The performances are adequate, but they lack the emotional depth to make us truly care about the outcome. The film’s attempt to blend psychological horror with folklore is commendable, but the execution falls flat, leaving viewers more confused than terrified. If you're a die-hard horror fan, it might be worth a watch, but for casual viewers, there are far better options out there. Show less