The Retreat (2021)

"Survival isn’t guaranteed when the hunters are watching."

The Retreat (2021) is a Canadian horror thriller directed by Pat Mills, starring Tommie-Amber Pirie, Sarah Allen, Rossif Sutherland, and Aaron Ashmore. The film follows a lesbian couple on a weekend getaway, only to find themselves trapped in a deadly game orchestrated by a group of sadistic killers.

🔥 Story Overview

📍 Renee and Valerie, a couple hoping to reconnect, book a secluded cabin retreat in the woods.

📍 Upon arrival, they discover that their friends are missing, and something sinister lurks in the shadows.

📍 As they fight for survival, they uncover a twisted plot where victims are hunted and livestreamed for profit.

📍 The film blends slasher horror, psychological tension, and themes of resilience, making it a gritty, intense thriller.

🔥 Why It Stands Out

✅ LGBTQ+ Representation in Horror: A subversion of horror tropes, where queer characters fight back. ✅ Tense & Brutal Atmosphere: Builds relentless suspense with dark, unsettling themes. ✅ Strong Performances: Tommie-Amber Pirie and Sarah Allen deliver gripping portrayals of survival.

🔥 Reception & Legacy

📍 Released on May 21, 2021, distributed by Quiver Distribution. 📍 Holds a 4.9/10 rating on IMDb, praised for its social commentary, but critiqued for its predictability. 📍 Won Best Original Score at the Canadian Screen Music Awards.