Silent Retreat

Silent Retreat (2016) is a captivating thriller directed by Ace Jordan and starring Donny Boaz, Rebecca Summers, and Danilo Di Julio. Its intriguing plot and talented cast make it a must-watch for fans of the horror and mystery genres. The film carries a unique combination of suspense, eerie atmospherics, and dark storytelling which plays with the viewers' emotions, both unsettling and engaging them.

The movie introduces us to the main character, Zach Harris (played by Donny Boaz), a tough yet slightly mixed-up man. After a series of personal challenges and a spiraling life crisis, Zach is urged to partake in a company retreat. This is a very different kind of retreat, as the title suggests, it’s a 'silent retreat,' designed to pursue inner peace and self-discovery. Eager to secure his position within the company, Zach reluctantly agrees.

The settings of Silent Retreat elevate the tension and suspense of the film. The retreat is situated in an isolated and mysterious lodge, seated deep in the ominous woods. The quietude and the sheer stillness of the place add a chilling dimension to the narrative. The cinematic execution of the eerie lodge and its surrounding wilderness play an essential part in setting the tone of the movie - creepy, cold, and fraught with uncertainty.

Zach is joined on this silent excursion by several other attendees all with distinct personalities; Rita (Rebecca Summers) and Grant (Danilo Di Julio). Rita is a strong-willed woman dealing with her demons while Grant, a free-spirited man, is looking for an escape from his tumultuous life. Each participant in the retreat has a backstory that is gradually revealed throughout the movie, adding depth and complexity to their characters.

As they enter the retreat, conversations are forbidden, and they are expected to immerse themselves in true silence, fostering a unique opportunity for self-reflection. This enforced stillness is striking, not just for the characters, but it also adds a unique and intense element for the movie's audience. The focus of the narrative more on visual expressions, elaborate landscapes and less on dialogues, allows the audience to more deeply sense the characters' rising fear and unease.

However, things soon take a haunting turn. Mysterious occurrences start to unravel within the lodge and its surrounding elements. Shadows that lurk in the corners, heart-stopping silences, and nocturnal whispers in the woods escalate the fear factor. As the bizarre incidents escalate, the participants are forced to question not just their sanity but also their survival – making it clear that this silent retreat is far from being a peaceful healing experience.

The remainder of the film delves into the heart of mystery and suspense as the participants find themselves entwined in a terrifying ordeal. Unresolved past traumas, paranoia, and the unsettling atmosphere of the retreat makes them suspect each other and challenges their perceptions. The attack from an unknown source while they are most vulnerable – in the silence – sends them spiraling into chaos.

The director, Ace Jordan, uses the power of silence effectively in building tension, as the participants, being enforced into silence themselves, cautiously explore the terrifying abnormality of their situation. Actor Donny Boaz skillfully portrays the role of the flawed yet compelling Zach, displaying an impressive range of emotions, from fear to determination. Rebecca Summers and Danilo Di Julio also deliver compelling performances, infusing their characters with depth and realism.

In conclusion, Silent Retreat (2016) is an impactful psychological thriller that effectively uses its unique concept of the enforced silence of a retreat into its narrative to add layers of tension and suspense. It's an edge-of-your-seat thriller from start to end and is most likely to resonate with audiences who appreciate their share of chilling escapades into the unknown.