Retreat

About This Movie

Retreat (2020) takes you to this eerie meditation retreat, where the silence feels thick and almost oppressive. You really get a sense of isolation and unease, which is cleverly done through the pacing—slow and creeping, perfect for building tension. The performances are quite subtle, with our lead conveying a sense of paranoia that makes you question her sanity. The atmosphere is thick with dread, and you can tell they worked with practical effects to keep everything grounded. It taps into themes of mental struggle and perception of reality, leaving you with more questions than answers. It’s not flashy, but it’s that kind of unsettling that sticks with you long after.

Examine the use of silence as a narrative device.Notice the slow build of tension throughout the film.Character study on the effects of isolation.