Introducing The Retreat (2021): A Queer Slasher Thriller

Prepare for a pulse-pounding horror experience with The Retreat (2021), a Canadian slasher film that redefines the cabin-in-the-woods trope with a bold queer perspective. Directed by Pat Mills and written by Alyson Richards, this indie horror flick dives into themes of homophobia, survival, and revenge, delivering a gritty tale of resilience. Released on video-on-demand platforms in May 2021, The Retreat has sparked discussion for its fresh take on the genre. Here’s a comprehensive look at this thrilling film!

The Story

The Retreat centers on Renee (Tommie-Amber Pirie) and Valerie (Sarah Allen), a lesbian couple navigating a rocky relationship. To celebrate their friends’ upcoming wedding, they head to a remote cabin in the Canadian wilderness for a pre-wedding retreat. Upon arrival, they find the cabin eerily empty—their friends are nowhere to be found. As the couple grapples with their personal tensions, they uncover a horrifying truth: they’re being hunted by a group of militant extremists who livestream the gruesome killings of queer individuals for profit. What begins as a weekend getaway turns into a desperate fight for survival, forcing Renee and Valerie to tap into their resourcefulness and courage to outwit their pursuers.

The film is inspired by a desire to subvert horror’s “bury your gays” trope, where queer characters often meet tragic ends. Instead, The Retreat empowers its protagonists, showcasing their strength and agency in a conventional slasher scenario.

Cast and Characters

The film boasts a talented ensemble, with standout performances from its leads:

• Tommie-Amber Pirie as Renee: A tough, resourceful woman with a knack for survival, Renee’s background in hunting and tracking hints at her potential to fight back. Pirie’s intense performance anchors the film’s emotional and action-driven moments.
• Sarah Allen as Valerie: Renee’s more reserved partner, Valerie seeks commitment and stability in their relationship. Allen brings warmth and relatability, making the couple’s dynamic authentic and engaging.
• Supporting cast includes Rossif Sutherland, Aaron Ashmore, Celina Sinden, Munro Chambers, and Chad Connell, who portray the menacing antagonists and other key figures. While the villains are somewhat one-dimensional, the chemistry between Pirie and Allen elevates the film’s emotional stakes.

Themes and Style

The Retreat tackles heavy themes, including homophobia and the dangers queer individuals face in unwelcoming spaces. By setting the story in a rural area, the film explores the tension between urban acceptance and rural prejudice, a relevant commentary for queer audiences. The screenplay avoids exploitative tropes like sexual assault or torture porn, focusing instead on suspense, gore, and empowerment.

Visually, the film embraces its low-budget roots, using the snowy Canadian woods to create a claustrophobic, menacing atmosphere. However, critics note that poor lighting in nighttime scenes often obscures the action, making it hard to follow. The soundtrack, with its ominous tones, effectively builds tension, though some jump scares rely on overused sound cues. The film’s pacing is brisk at 82 minutes, with a clear shift to high-stakes action after the first act.

Reception

The Retreat has received mixed reviews, earning a 4.9/10 on IMDb and varied critic scores.

• Praises: Critics laud the film’s queer representation, likening it to a “lesbian Get Out” for its revenge-fantasy elements. The performances of Pirie and Allen, along with the film’s defiance of harmful tropes, are highlights. Reviewers like Chris Knight of Postmedia Network appreciate its original premise and satisfying premise, while Anne T. Donahue of The Globe and Mail calls it a “gruesome, gritty thriller” that lets its leads shine.
• Criticisms: Common complaints include the generic plot, predictable twists, and lack of nuance in the villains, who are portrayed as simplistic homophobes. Poor lighting and uneven cinematography detract from the experience, with some scenes nearly unwatchable due to darkness. The screenplay’s tonal inconsistencies and failure to fully explore its social commentary also draw criticism.

Audience reactions vary, with queer horror fans praising the empowering narrative and likable leads, while others find it formulaic or visually frustrating. On platforms like Letterboxd, fans celebrate its “cute lesbian couple killing homophobes” vibe, though some dock points for execution flaws.

Why Watch The Retreat?

The Retreat stands out in the horror genre for its queer protagonists who fight back against hate, offering a cathartic experience for audiences tired of seeing marginalized characters victimized. While it doesn’t reinvent the slasher formula, its focus on a relatable couple and topical themes makes it a compelling watch. Fans of films like Deliverance or Wrong Turn with a modern, inclusive twist will find plenty to enjoy, especially if they appreciate indie horror’s raw energy.

Be warned: the film includes graphic violence and gore, though it avoids excessive brutality. If you’re seeking a suspenseful, 80-minute thrill ride with heart and a message, The Retreat is worth a stream—preferably with the lights on to catch all the action!

Where to Watch

The Retreat (2021) is available to rent or buy on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and other VOD services. Check your preferred streaming platform for availability.

Final Thoughts

Despite its flaws, The Retreat is a bold addition to queer horror, delivering a tense, bloody tale of survival. It’s a film that knows its audience and leans into its strengths: a likable couple, a cathartic premise, and a defiance of outdated tropes. Whether you’re a horror buff or a fan of queer cinema, this indie slasher offers enough chills and thrills to make it a memorable watch.

Grab some popcorn, brace for the dark (literally), and join Renee and Valerie on their fight for survival in The Retreat (2021)!