#cottage living trailer still reigns

[gnael]

that pack is going to dismantle the entire game

[doomonfilm]

Thoughts : Retreat (2011)

On one of my recent Netflix DVD watches, I came across a film with too many elements I dug to ignore.  Cillian Murphy and Thandie Newton as a couple stood out initially, as I thought that was an odd but possibly intriguing pairing.  The story premise then jumped out, further hooking me into an obligation to watch the movie.  Before the trailer was over, Retreat was in my DVD queue, and now that time has come to finally view it and see if the film lives up to the trailer hype.

Martin (Cillian Murphy) and Kate (Thandie Newton) Kennedy are visiting a remote home they spend time in known as Fairweather Cottage, located off the west coast of Scotland on Blackholme Island.  The two are both successful in their respective paths (Martin is an architect, Kate a journalist), but troubles in their marriage continue to create distance between the two.  The couple is hoping to find closeness during their vacation so their relationship can heal, but a series of problems with the home only causes tension with the couple.  Fairweather Cottage owner Doug (Jimmy Yuill) offers assistance, but due to the fact that he is a CB radio call away, the couple are seemingly isolated.  Their isolation is shattered, however, by the discovery of an injured (and armed) man who introduces himself as Private Jack Coleman (Jamie Bell) when he comes to.  Kate is unable to reach Doug on the radio, and Jack informs Martin that a virus has caused a pandemic that is headed to the island, bringing dangerous people and certain death with it.  Much to the behest of Kate, Jack begins to take control of the home, boarding it up despite Martin’s timid efforts at control.  With trust non-existent between all parties, the three must figure out how to coexist and discern where the true dangerous elements are in order to survive.

Retreat works well as a psychological thriller because it lies on the old tenant of making sure that the viewer is unsure of where the true threat lies.  Not only is Jack an intimidating presence, but his news he brings of a pandemic is a formidable threat as well, immediately forcing Martin and Kate into a much larger world of decision-making than even they were prepared to undertake.  The couple’s broken trust in one another allows Jack to be the controlling element as he physically dominates and emotionally manipulates his way into getting done what he wants.  The fear, though unclear, is still very real and extremely valid, making the ultimate resolution that much more satisfying when it occurs.

The small cast interacts sharply and powerfully with one another, creating an electricity among themselves and the tight confines they inhabit.  With Fairweather Cottage being the lone home on a remote island, all of the stakes and ensuing actions are raised greatly.  To further the issue, the house that is intruded is already divided, as Martin and Kate have decided to look outward rather than inward for reconciliation.  Due to this inability to face their issues head on, the couple ends up welcoming the agent of demise into their home rather than the danger having to force its way in.

The color correction gives the film an extremely cold feel.  This is multiplied by the stone cottage interiors, which begin to take on a prison-like feel as Jack continues to board up the windows and doors.  The intense performances and shared moments are amplified by the confinement, and many moments are allowed to breath rather than have dialogue forced into them.  Overall, it seems the entire case and crew were able to make quite a lot out of the little that they worked with.

Cillian Murphy’s performance wholly involves the timidness of a man afraid to assert himself in his relationship due to a combination of his wife’s stronger personality and clear secrets she’s holding.  Thandie Newton manages to convey her love for her husband through a cloud of disappointment, broken trust and unfulfilled hopes, even at times trying to play along with the captor in hopes of forcing the hero she wants him to be to emerge.  Jamie Bell and his incredibly intimidating nature reign supreme over the home, as his mere presence and the occasional threat of violence are enough to reduce two adults to tears at times.

If you’re a fan of films like Straw Dogs or Dawn of the Dead, then Retreat is probably a good choice.  The premise is solid, and the strong cast lifts it up to a higher level.