THE RETREAT

Cinemavixion Review

"The Retreat" plunges viewers into the unforgiving wilderness of the Adirondacks, where a winter backpacking trip between two friends devolves into a harrowing fight for survival. Director Bruce Wemple masterfully crafts an atmosphere of escalating dread, drawing upon the chilling folklore of the Wendigo. The film excels in its psychological portrayal of isolation and paranoia, as the protagonist grapples not only with a terrifying external threat but also with his own fracturing sanity. While the creature feature elements are effectively unsettling, the true strength lies in the exploration of Gus's internal struggle. The performances, particularly from the lead cast, anchor the narrative with a palpable sense of desperation. With a commendable 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Retreat" offers a tense and atmospheric horror experience that resonates with its primal fears and the vast, indifferent power of nature.