The Retreat

Detailed Article on the Film The Retreat (2021)

The Retreat (2021) is a Canadian horror-thriller directed by Pat Mills and written by Alyson Richards. It blends classic slasher tropes with a modern queer narrative, offering a suspenseful and socially conscious take on survival horror. Set against the backdrop of isolation and rural terror, The Retreat is as much about societal prejudice as it is about blood and fear, making it a bold and timely entry into the horror genre.

The story centers on Renee (Tommie-Amber Pirie) and Valerie (Sarah Allen), a lesbian couple at a crossroads in their relationship. Valerie, the more confident and career-driven of the two, invites Renee to spend a weekend at a remote cabin with friends. But when they arrive, they find the place eerily deserted. Their weekend getaway quickly turns into a nightmare when they realize they are being hunted by a group of homophobic extremists who lure and torture LGBTQ+ people for entertainment.

As the film progresses, what initially seems like a slow-burn psychological thriller rapidly transforms into a brutal, high-stakes survival story. The couple is forced to confront not only their attackers but also their own emotional struggles. Renee, in particular, undergoes a significant transformation—from reserved and anxious to a fierce, determined survivor.

Director Pat Mills approaches the material with a clear intention: to flip the script on traditional horror roles. Instead of LGBTQ+ characters serving as disposable victims, The Retreat places them at the center as empowered protagonists. The film rejects the "bury your gays" trope often seen in horror and instead provides a narrative where queer characters are resourceful, resilient, and capable of fighting back.

Visually, The Retreat makes excellent use of its forested setting, using shadows, silence, and natural isolation to create an atmosphere of unease. The tension is slow-building but effective, with well-crafted scenes of pursuit and escape. Cinematographer David Schuurman captures both the eerie tranquility of the wilderness and the horror that lurks within it. The sparse musical score heightens suspense without overwhelming the emotional beats of the story.

Tommie-Amber Pirie delivers a standout performance as Renee, bringing both vulnerability and grit to her role. Her transformation from victim to survivor is believable and satisfying, marking one of the film’s strongest elements. Sarah Allen is equally solid as Valerie, providing emotional weight and chemistry to the couple’s dynamic.

The Retreat received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. It was praised for its fresh perspective, strong performances, and its commitment to flipping horror clichés. Some viewers noted its relatively short runtime and restrained gore compared to mainstream slasher fare, but many appreciated its focus on character and tension over shock value.

In conclusion, The Retreat (2021) is a smart, chilling, and empowering horror film that reclaims space for LGBTQ+ narratives within the genre. With a taut script, strong direction, and compelling performances, it succeeds both as a survival thriller and as a statement on the importance of representation in horror cinema. It’s a film that thrills, provokes, and ultimately empowers—an effective blend of social commentary and suspenseful storytelling.