The Retrieval

Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, The Retrieval directed by Chris Eska and released in 2013, is a riveting, quietly powerful historical drama which stars Ashton Sanders, Tishuan Scott and Keston John. The film centers on the themes of identity, loyalty and redemption, addressing the unseen, complicated nuances of the era, particularly the plight of African Americans, trapped within the claustrophobic grip of slavery and war.

Sanders, known for his role in the Oscar-winning movie Moonlight, plays Will, a young African-American boy who, along with his uncle Marcus (John), are forced into an unenviable situation. They earn their living and survival by working for a bounty hunter, played by Bill Oberst Jr. The bounty hunter sends them on a perilous journey to retrieve Nate (Scott), a freeman who is unaware of the price on his head.

Tishuan Scott's powerful portrayal of Nate, a man who has escaped the chains of slavery and become self-reliant and master of his own destiny, brings a pensive depth to the narrative. Nate, initially suspicious and apprehensive of the duo, gradually finds himself developing a bond with the young Will on their journey north. The interplay between Nate and Will challenges traditional dynamics of the time but also creates poignant moments of humanity and compassion, which underscores the narrative and gives the film its emotional core.

The story unfolds on a landscape ravaged by the war, which creates an eerie atmosphere and serves as a silent reminder of the nation's grim history and painful transformation. Eska's attention to detail, in presenting a realistic depiction of the 1860s, is commendable. The cinematography is richly atmospheric, complete with barren landscapes and dilapidated buildings capturing the bleakness and desperation of the era. Yet within this sobering context, moments of warmth and tenderness emerge, testifying to the indomitable human spirit.

Ashton Sanders delivers an exceptional performance as Will, a boy caught at the intersection of childhood and war, innocence and survival, directed by circumstances to facilitate a practice that he himself fears. His character's growth throughout the film, prompted by his association with Nate, forms the central arc of the plot. Its commentary on the destructive cycle of slavery, as presented through the lens of a young, impressionable character, is haunting and thought-provoking.

The Retrieval is neither an outright war movie nor a classic slave narrative. Instead, it explores how individuals navigate systemic oppression and war by making complicated choices in the name of survival, often going against their conscience. It is an examination of the cruel realities of war and the human potential for empathy and compassion in such dire circumstances.

The dialogues, although sparingly used, are powerful, carrying a profound meaning. The silence in the movie speaks as much as the words, emphasizing the sense of solitude, apprehension, and introspection each character experiences. The slow-burning narrative coupled with fine performances and expert direction allow the story to unfold naturally, making The Retrieval an immersive, compelling drama.

Providing a captivating combination of grim history and unassuming humanism, The Retrieval is an exploration of humanity amidst turmoil. The story it tells might be set in the past, but it resonates strongly with present times, truly bringing to life the phrase 'history repeats itself.' The evocative storytelling and remarkable performances make this quiet reflection on a dark time in American history not just an informative cinematic experience but also a deeply moving one.

The Retrieval is a poignant narrative detailing an often-overlooked aspect of the Civil War. With impressive performances from the entire ensemble, coupled with Eska's assured and sensitive direction, The Retrieval is a compelling and deeply affecting film. It offers a fresh perspective on a historical period that has been frequently portrayed in film while shedding light on the individuals sucked into the vortex of such an unforgiving time.