The Retreat

The Retreat is a 2020 suspenseful horror movie directed by Bruce Wemple and featuring a prominent cast that includes Grant Schumacher, Dylan Grunn, and Chris Cimperman. The movie is the very definition of an engaging and thrilling ride that sets a hauntingly beautiful mise-en-scene, centered on a chilling narrative about a cryptid creature haunting a secluded wilderness.

The story revolves around the main character, Gryffin (Grant Schumacher), a city dweller lost in the mundane cycle of his day-to-day life. He seeks a refreshing change, an escape from his tiresome routine and the clamor of city life. His long-time friend, Ian (Dylan Grunn), plans a trip to the remote Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York, perfect for the wilderness retreat Gryffin yearns for.

Encased within the silent beauty of the Appalachia region, Gryffin and Ian set out on their winter backpacking trip. These elements contribute to creating a picturesque setting where the interplay of tranquility and isolation sets the stage for impending doom.

Lured by local folklore and intriguing mystique, they embark upon their journey, unaware of the notorious local legend that prevails. The story takes a different turn from the benign hiking trip it starts as, and spirals into an untamed screenplay filled with mystery and suspense.

Drawing inspiration from indigenous American folklore, The Retreat incorporates elements of supernatural in the form of a terrifying cryptid creature, the Wendigo. Known to many, the Wendigo is a mythical half-beast creature believed to inhabit the northern forests of the Atlantic Coast and Great Lakes Region of the U.S and Canada. The Wendigo’s legend becomes increasingly real and ominous for the two friends as their journey in the wilderness advances.

As the depths of the dense wilderness unravel, so does the fear within Gryffin and Ian. Faced with the looming dread of the Wendigo, the two brave an onslaught of terror and suspense. As fright and confusion ensue, they are stretched to their limits and forced to confront their deepest fears.

The director skilfully uses the breathtaking and vast wilderness, demonstrating moments of calm before the storm and the unforeseen danger lurking within. The vast, crisp, snowy landscapes act as a phenomenal backdrop for intense, heart-pounding scenes. The remote, formidable wilderness becomes more menacing with the perilous entity in their midst, as eerie intermissions of calm and tension alternate.

The performances of Grant Schumacher and Dylan Grunn contribute substantially to the story's unraveling. Schumacher embodies the character of Gryffin and his arc with an intense commitment, successfully delivering an engrossing performance. Grunn, too, in his portrayal of Ian, complements the narrative smoothly.

The movie’s musings on human nature and survival are noteworthy. The plot delves deep into the theme of fear, especially of the unknown, along with the psychological effects of isolation and paranoia that test the characters' metal. These threads make for an interesting side story, enhancing the horror-thriller ambiance of The Retreat.

In terms of production value, The Retreat does not fall short. It offers high quality cinematography that beautifully captures the wilderness's serenity and severity while complimenting the tense and suspenseful atmosphere. The soundscape is equally important, building tension and feeding into the rural and man-versus-nature scenario the movie weaves.

The Retreat is a movie that successfully merges the genres of horror and psychological thriller. It takes the viewer on a journey through isolating wilderness and human emotions intertwined with native folklore. While the cryptid creature, the Wendigo, is central to the plot, the movie does not fail to stir up palpable dread with its intelligent and suspenseful storytelling.

Overall, with a perfect mix of wilderness, cryptid horror, and storming suspense, The Retreat is a chilling rollercoaster ride that will leave audiences at the edge of their seats. Its depiction of an enthralling cataclysmic adventure in a snow-clad, detached world makes it a must-watch for horror and thriller enthusiasts.