The Retreat (2021) is a gripping Canadian slasher that redefines survival horror by centering a lesbian couple in a tense, blood-soaked fight against homophobic extremists. Directed by Pat Mills and written by Alyson Richards, this horror movie stars Tommie-Amber Pirie and Sarah Allen as Renee and Valerie, delivering a fresh take on LGBTQ+ representation in the genre. Released on May 21, 2021, and available on Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Fandango at Home, The Retreat blends thriller intensity with social commentary, earning praise for subverting the “bury your gays” trope. In this movie review, we explore why this 2021 horror film is a must-watch for fans of horror films and queer cinema, despite its flaws.
![Film Review] The Retreat (2021) Enacts Gruesome Queer Catharsis — Ghouls Magazine](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fe76a518d20536a3fbd7246/1624257922408-62QWBZESXX5BQWZC029V/The+Retreat+1.jpeg)
Plot Overview: A Getaway Turned Deadly
The Premise of The Retreat
Set in the remote woods of Ontario, Canada, The Retreat follows Renee (Tommie-Amber Pirie) and Valerie (Sarah Allen), a lesbian couple at a crossroads in their relationship. They arrive at a gay-owned B&B for a pre-wedding retreat with friends Connor (Chad Connell) and Scott (Munro Chambers), only to find the cabin empty. Their romantic getaway spirals into a nightmare when they’re targeted by a group of militant extremists—led by figures like James (Aaron Ashmore) and Layna (Celina Sinden)—who livestream gruesome killings of queer people for profit. As Renee and Valerie fight for survival, they turn the tables on their captors in a bloody, vengeful showdown.
Why the Story Resonates
The 82-minute slasher thriller wastes no time, with horror kicking in by the 20-minute mark, as noted by Rue Morgue. The film’s premise, inspired by writer Alyson Richards’ own experience of vulnerability as a queer woman in a remote setting, taps into real-world fears of homophobia, making the stakes feel visceral. While some X posts criticize its “predictable plot” and “generic villains,” the focus on queer resilience and revenge sets it apart from traditional horror movies, offering a cathartic twist on the cabin-in-the-woods trope.
Atmosphere and Setting: A Grim Canadian Wilderness
The Ominous Ontario Woods
Filmed in Mono Mills, Ontario, The Retreat transforms the serene Canadian wilderness into a claustrophobic nightmare. The remote cabin and dense forest, captured by cinematographer David Schuurman, create an oppressive atmosphere where every shadow feels threatening. Critics note the “ominous tree line” and “murky beiges” that plague low-budget horror films, but the setting effectively mirrors the couple’s isolation and vulnerability. Night scenes, however, suffer from poor lighting, with some reviewers complaining of “black screens” that obscure the action.
