KILLER RETREAT

Cinemavixion Review

Robert Mullan's "Killer Retreat" presents a chilling exploration of vulnerability and manipulation, set against the serene backdrop of the Cotswolds. The premise, following seven Londoners seeking an escape and personal growth at a remote farm, is immediately compelling. As the facilitators, a husband and wife duo, gradually strip away their guests' defenses—and their mobile phones—the film masterfully builds an atmosphere of unease. While the female host's intentions appear genuine, her husband's philosophical pronouncements and targeted attention towards the more susceptible guests hint at darker motives. The narrative skillfully unravels, demonstrating how a promised sanctuary can devolve into a psychological trap, leaving the characters irrevocably changed. The performances, particularly from David Bamber, Niky Wardley, and Caitlin Innes Edwards, anchor the film's descent into unsettling territory, making "Killer Retreat" a thought-provoking, albeit disturbing, cinematic experience.