Three strong performances distinguish this low-budget debut thriller from director Carl Tibbetts.
The virus is airborne, extremely contagious and all accounts recorded have led to fatalities.
Jacks demanding presence in Fairweather Cottage makes him undeniable yet supremely questionable.
Is he really an army soldier?
Is the virus he preaches about a reality?
Is he truly concerned for everyones safety or is he merely manipulating an already tense and taut situation?
These questions reoccur frequently, and Bell paints a rich and layered character in a gripping performance.
His dialogue delivery is strong, too, and his action-hero moments are believable.
Newton is sublime as the broken and frustrated Kate, who offers audiences mixed signals through her devouring sorrow.
At some points, her male co-stars overshadow her, but this is only for brief segments.
The films closing 15 minutes are some of the most haunting and distressing Ive experienced this year.
Expect fireworks really sad and broken fireworks.
It also has a photo gallery which is fairly irrelevant and seems to last forever.
The best feature is its Making of documentary, with interviews with Tibbetts, Newton, Murphy and Bell.
Elsewhere, Bell says he was attracted to the stage-like style of the film.
The extras may be weak, but the feature is more than strong enough to warrant a purchase.
I highly recommend it.
Film:
it’s possible for you to rent or buyRetreatatBlockbuster.co.uk.
Rating:
4 out of 5
