The Retrieval (2013) User Reviews

Maybe a little slow paced at times, but nevertheless an intriguing, dark movie.

[peterp-450-298716 · 7/10 · 17 October 2016]

1864. The civil war between North and South is intense and nearing its end. Will (Ashton Sanders) and Marcus (Keston John) try to earn some money during their miserable existence as a slave and serve as bait for the bounty hunter Burell (Bill Oberst Jr.). By using their directions, Burell captures escaped slaves and they receive a small portion of the premium. Strange but true. I didn't know oppressed slaves were misused like this. Their survival instinct drives them to do such insidious practices and thus betray their own fellow-sufferers. They seek the company of those white bounty hunters, so they are safe for other white men. A contradictory situation. On the one hand there's this sense of security. But then they are still under the rule of ruthless bounty hunters, who have no human feeling whatsoever for black people who they see as inferior.

Will's life basically revolves solely around treason. Treachery towards his own people and treachery also towards himself. Deep down he feels resentment and remorse about the fact that he's forced to chase poor women and children into the hands of these bounty hunters. The ultimate task Burell asks them to do, is a search for the runaway slave Nate (Tishuan Scott) who buries fallen soldiers in the north. The reward probably will be sufficient enough to buy back their freedom. They just need to convince Nate to return with them. To accomplish that they use the excuse of a dying brother who wants to see Nate one more time.

The feeling of guilt that's bothering Will, grows even stronger because of the bond of trust that grows in between him and Nate. The lack of a father figure in his young life begins to weigh and Will starts to look up at Nate. When both of them save each other's lives during the trip, Will's resistance against the original plan begins to rise. He's forced to take a well-defined hard decision.

"The Retrieval" is, just like the movie "Django Unchained", an attempt to show the life of an African-American from a completely different angle. Django was a free Afro-American. An individual who had the same rights as his white oppressor. In the eyes of these white masters this was unacceptable and hard to accept. Here, African Americans are forced to commit terrible acts. And they committed these acts merely to safeguard their own lives in these tragic and disgraceful times. Unfortunately, there is an oversupply of genres in this film. It's a war movie (with brief excerpts from the battlefield), a drama about slavery, a kind of road movie and finally a coming of age story. All these genres together make that the movie can go in any direction.

The interaction between Will and Nate is the most interesting portion of the film. A masterly combination of poignant conversations. Maybe this unvarnished version without stunning backgrounds and colorful images shows a more realistic view than the bigger Hollywood productions. The barren winter landscape with its gray, pale colors underline the human sorrow and melancholy tone of the story. Perhaps the pace is a bit too slow, but this is compensated by the dynamic between the taciturn old slave and the with doubts haunted young boy. Perhaps "The Retrieval" is technically inferior compared to "12 Years a Slave", but content wise it's maybe stronger.

More reviews here : http://bit.ly/1KIdQMT

Slow-Paced But Powerful & Compelling Tale

[larrys3 · 7/10 · 19 April 2015]

This slow-paced but compelling and powerful tale is probably geared towards a certain audience, those having the patience to allow characters to develop and a story to unfold in its' own timing. The movie kept me absorbed and guessing till the end what the outcome would be. There's a strong sense of realism, fine cinematography, and first rate acting here.

As mentioned, the acting leads in the film are all top-notch. Set in 1864, in the woods of Virginia (although I read the movie was actually shot in Texas) as the Civil War raged, a young boy Will (Ashton Sanders) and his uncle Marcus (Keston John) have been forced, under penalty of death, to work for the vicious slave hunter Burrell (Bill Oberst Jr.).

Will and Marcus have been given the assignment of traveling North to find a man called Nate (Tishuan Scott), who is digging graves for the Union Army. They are told to use the ruse that Nate's brother is dying (although he's already passed) and that he's requested to see Nate one last time.

When they find Nate they convince him to travel back South, and a good part of the film will revolve around the perils and travails the men and the boy will face through the Virginia woods and swamps, as Civil War battles occur all around them.

To me, the heart of the movie is the bonding that occurs between Nate and Will, and the continual tension whether Will will let Nate know he's walking into a trap. It will all culminate in a haunting and shocking finale that stayed with me for quite a while.

I thought this was a fine effort from Chris Eska, who wrote and directed the movie. I would be interested in seeing any future efforts he comes up with.

Despite knowing it is wrong, doing what has to do to be alive and make some money.

[Reno-Rangan · 7/10 · 24 August 2016]

This is not a great film from a great director and writer, not even based on the real, just a simple road drama, yet very powerful. Though how do you look at it makes all the impact. The title says it all, it takes place in the year 1864, about a teen African-American boy who partnered with another man to help the bounty hunters to catch their target. One such mission is to retrieve a man from far away place and how they are going to do it the story speaks intensely.

It looks a bit like 'Slow West' because of the journey the main characters make, but it is different and quite interesting. I don't know anybody from this film, but I'm pleased with their character executions. The boy was at his best, I don't know he would win any award for it, but mentioning and appreciating him is at least the right thing to do. Because a small film like this won't get much attention other than critics through film festivals. So I saw it and I'm glad I saw it.

It was much better than other similar films. Realistic approach was the highlight. During the civil war and lots of casualties happened around, this little adventure of three was told better than I anticipated. Being an African-American at that time of the United States was not very fortunate. It just reveals the actual atmosphere and other related stuffs how difficult it was then.

It started off like some kind of a serious bounty hunting story and then slowed in the remaining parts, until the final sequence to get emotional. Does not feel like a fictional tale, definitely a small gem. I think feeling it should have been a bit better is normal, but overall I'm satisfied and recommend it for those who wants a good B movie.

6.5/10

fascinating characters

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 23 November 2015]

It's 1864. Burrell is the harsh leader of a gang of bounty hunters tracking down runaway slaves. Will is a 13-year-old negro who is used as bait and spy to uncover the underground railroad. He relies on his uncle Marcus who is Burrell's slave. Burrell is looking for Nate who is digging graves for the Federals near Petersburg. Marcus and Will set off across the lines and trick Nate by telling him that his brother is dying. He agrees reluctantly to join them back across the lines but he doesn't really trust the two strangers.

This starts with a compelling, murky, complicated relationship between Burrell, Marcus and Will. I would have loved to stay with the three of them together. The road trip offers some interesting complications of its own. However, it's not as great as the opening fifteen minutes. Nevertheless, it's an unusual compelling journey.

It's not the usual slavery era movie

[xemiya · 7/10 · 27 April 2014]

I was initially hesitant to see this movie at first because I mistakenly figured this would be just another movie with the main focus on just the horrors of slavery , but I am glad I did. It does depict some of the aspects of slavery in America, but it also focuses on another aspect that was never or seldom covered in other movies.

The interactions between the main characters; especially between Nate and Will, and their journey are what really make this film. It does have a couple of weaknesses in the story, but overall it is worth seeing.

After the movie, we were treated to a Q & A session with Mr. Tishuan Scott, who plays Nate in the movie, which added more to understanding some of the background in the making of the movie.

Strong execution of strong story around end of US Civil War, however not about slavery and related violence. Not Django Unchained II, but something completely different

[JvH48 · 10/10 · 14 October 2013]

I saw this film at the Ghent (Belgium) film festival 2013, where it was part of the section American Independent. You may wrongly assume this is Django Unchained II, given the key words in the synopsis, but it is something completely different. Its main topic is not about slavery nor its embedded violence. Of course, the environment is unmistakeably derived from the end of the US Civil War, and bounty hunters looking for escaped slaves are present in a prominent role too. Nevertheless, the civil war is not the main issue in this film, but rather the unsettling circumstances and the chaos resulting from it, in which process everyone has to make difficult decisions.

The whole film kept my attention throughout the full 94 minutes running time. It perfectly showed dilemma's that are prevalent in times of war, like who to follow and who to trust. Not the ending you'd expect, however, which is a surprise until the last 5 minutes.

All in all, I cannot say I enjoyed this movie, as "enjoy" would be not the appropriate word for the subject at hand. But casting and acting are spotless, and developments are evenly paced over the time, among which a few you did not expect. I certainly felt drawn into the story along with the main characters, neither of them completely good or bad, just trying to cope with the sorry circumstances. This film ranked 11th for the audience award, score 4.28 out of 5.

There was a Q&A after the screening with director, editor and writer Chris Eska, Below paragraphs are not a review, but only reflect some notes I scribbled down during this Q&A.

Given the uncommon combination of functions, the very first question was how it is to be a director and an editor in one person. His reply sounded logical, since editing is actually where the final film is made. He admitted that it is not easy to cut away good footage. It still is a very difficult process, but marketing pressure dictates rules for the optimal feature film length.

About the writing process: It was not exactly clear from the outset that the US Civil War would become the main subject. Still on the lookout for power structures as a central theme, like in his previous films, and given the 150 years anniversary of the civil war, the chosen subject seems a natural choice only in hindsight. The additional element of black people being used to catch other blacks, just emphasizes the power structure theme, power hierarchies never being simplistic and straightforward.

About casting, especially the amazing young boy, 14 years old at the time, and his first time on screen. Looking for a suitable boy, he went to many schools 200 miles around to finally have him. Subsequently he found out what type of character the boy wanted to be. Everything he needed to play such roles, was taught him on the set. It is a delicate process since you cannot easily unlearn things.

About the obvious realism in this film, the reply was that he attempted to make a more mainstream film. Maybe the art-house variety, but still making a move in the mainstream direction, where it is most important to grab the audience. At all cost, he avoids to be constrained by a genre, like coming of age.

About filming locations: All parts of this film are shot in places that are somewhat symbolic, in the direct neighborhood of the last hold of the confederacy. It proved difficult to find natural spaces, without obvious symbols of modern times, like noises of airplanes or automobiles, or electricity poles and street lights.

The Retrieval: a good film whose magic, however, didn't work on me.

[niutta-enrico · 5/10 · 23 February 2015]

It's a good film whose screenplay probably deserves a 9. While watching, however, I had the impression of a TV movie: unknown actors, poor locations, a non-original story… movie's magic, in other words, didn't work for me.

Dialogues are really good and acting is utterly convincing: Bill Oberst Jr in particular plays a perfect bad guy. But I never really believed the story or truly cared for characters' fate.

I read that Chris Eska both wrote and directed the movie (and even did the editing) and I can imagine how hard he worked on this production. Thus I feel quite guilty while writing these lines. Fortunately enough, my opinion is less than worthless and the chances that someone will read me lines (or agree with me) are less than for a camel (or a rope) to go through an average needle's eye

What every indie film aspires to be

[joeycanto · 9/10 · 18 November 2016]

This film is magnificent, it's on par with a studio film as far as the technical aspects. It's lit flawlessly, it's shot beautifully and the score is powerful. The wardrobe, props, hair and make up are all on point. It really brings you back to the civil war period. Now to the story, although intense, this is not an action film. What I mean by that is you have to be patient and let the story unfold and you will absolutely be rewarded. It's raw and dirty in a great way and it will pull at your emotions. The characters are fleshed out brilliantly, the writing is stellar all the way through. Now to the highlight of this film, the cast. I'm very familiar with Bill Oberst Jr. and I was once again pleased with what I saw. There is a certain genuine rawness to his performance and his turn in this film was no different. The entire cast is simply brilliant! I look forward to checking out what they do next. Under the guidance of writer/director Chris Eska, this journey cannot help but suck you in. Eska is someone definitely worth following. Bravo to the producers, keep your bar high.

THE RETRIEVAL is One of The Best Movies I've Seen.. EVER!

[greenlantern2 · 9/10 · 10 April 2013]

This has to be the most beautiful movie I've seen in a long time. It's pitch perfect in almost every way.

I saw this film at the 13th Phoenix Film Festival, where it received much deserved awards for directing and the ensemble acting, as well as being voted the audience favorite.

D'JANGO UNCHAINED was about slavery, its brutality, the violence, the humiliation, and the nightmare. THE RETRIEVAL addresses slavery and allows it to be a thread to its story by neither shying away from it nor allowing it to overwhelm the narrative. It's about the bond between two characters and the sacrifices they make.

Every character is rich and real. There's humor, tragedy, a riveting story and beautiful cinematography.

This film deserves to be seen, and everyone connected to it deserves an opportunity to continue their work.

A gem of an unknown film

[lmiller4 · 9/10 · 30 January 2015]

A young boy struggles with adult dilemma when he is put in a situation where he must choose between his survival and that of a stranger. He comes from and emotionally and physically barren world, treated like chattel, unloved. He accepts his lot because he sees no future for himself. While sent off by a bounty hunter to bring back a gullible freed slave, his sense of morality and kindness is stirred. Will the touch of human kindness by this stranger bring him redemption? No spoilers.

I am surprised that this film has not received a wider audience. I picked it up on line.

riveting character piece

[minch007 · 9/10 · 15 March 2015]

Not often does a film focus so strongly on the complexities of one character, especially without seeming contrived or over done. This film has a simple plot, and the dilemma the young boy Will faces is straightforward, but it is played so genuinely and movingly. We learn so little of his past and yet even within the first few minutes of the film you are standing in his shoes. At first unquestioningly accepting his tenuous grip on life as he is surrounded by death and desperation, soon this develops into a profound study of the price of freedom for those who apparently have none, and how relationships with others can give freedom a value greater than life itself. The end is not necessarily a surprise (after all, he can only choose one way or the other) but the point is really the journey he makes and the changes within him as he begins to understand and grapple with his choice. The character Nate was also compelling and believable. The film feels historically authentic and is more original than most others about the plight of slaves. For this reason I preferred it to 12 years a slave. My only criticism is that some of the dialogue is poorly recorded. Outstanding.

Non-Stereotypical

[avidnewbie · 10/10 · 3 April 2015]

Don't care for movies about slavery? Feel that there is nothing new or profound left to be discerned from such a well beaten premise? Would you rather not be blatantly reminded of the horrors of the civil war period of history? Well, dear movie viewer, let me allay your fears and reassure you that there is no need for hesitance in regards to watching this wonderful film. Is there killing in this movie? Yes. However, this is not done so as to pander to the audience. This is not violence for violence's sake. Nor did I get the sense that the intent was to dredge up feelings of guilt in it's viewers. This film is unique in the sense that it is the only movie about slavery which is not centered on the depiction of travesties but is instead a morality play about universal themes such as love, longing, regret, hope, kindness, selfishness, doubt and resolve. The casting is top notch as all the characters, from the young lead to the smallest cameo's, are utterly believable. Period detail and cinematography are also exceptional. There have been many films on this subject and in my opinion The Retrieval stands shoulder to shoulder with classics like Glory and Ride with the Devil. A must see.

Work struggle, love, fear, forgiveness and survival. This film has it all!

[barbara-anne-billings · 10/10 · 26 August 2014]

The rich, complex themes in this film gave me a heaping, helping of food for thought. I left the film with greater compassion for the hard lives some of us are born into. Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863. It hasn't been long since our fellow Americans lived as slaves. We, their recent descendants, have a long way to go to fully appreciate this history. This is the kind of story that moves us forward.

In the film, the will to survive fights with the powers of love and goodness. In less dramatic ways, these are our daily conflicts. I was deeply moved by the film's complex ending. I will be thinking about it for a long while. The actors are completely believable. The main characters were neither heroes nor villains. They were complicated, like us. It's one of the best films I've ever seen.

Retrieving Drama: Bill Oberst Jr. captures the bounty of a Civil War slave's lost innocence.

[shannonmlush · 10/10 · 3 August 2015]

The American Civil War remains one of the most profoundly monumental events in world history. Over 200 years after the first cannon shot rang out in Fort Sumter, signaling the start of hostilities, the scars remain in the collective psyches of Americans from sea to shining sea. For many Southern-born Americans, the Civil War had its origins in Northern aggression; the oppressive federal government appeared to actively be engaging in tactics meant to usurp and undermine Southern culture and their right to self-govern. To Northern-born Americans, the issue was and remains quite simply black and white; the Southern states were slave-trading and benefited from an economy formed by evil and racist means. Morally, this could not be allowed any longer. While the guns have fallen silent and the Civil War debates are definitely more civil than war now, the four year struggle for control of the fate of an entire nation has produced outstanding books, award winning documentaries, and a handful of fine films set in this most turbulent of times. 'The Retrieval' is both an outstanding film set in the American Civil War, as well as a further example, if one were still needed, of the maturation of the acting skills of Bill Oberst. Jr.

My first exposure to Bill Oberst Jr. as an actor was his starring role as Abraham Lincoln in 'Abraham Lincoln Versus Zombies', a rare 'mockbuster' genre entry that surpasses the quality of the bigger-budget film it was made to chase the success of; in that instance, the morose and direction-less 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter'. I was struck by the seriousness by which Oberst chose to portray Lincoln; unlike the over-the-top, cartoon superhero found in 'Vampire Hunter', the Abe Lincoln in 'Zombies' was a sombre leader of men who soberly assessed the unnatural threat that has literally arose around him. Even while dispatching zombie hordes with a scythe, Oberst's artistic choices to stay true to the dignity and poise that Lincoln embodied as an historical character of great import rose 'Zombies' above the dubious quality of other mockbuster fare. Here was an actor who displayed gravitas towards a film role when he didn't have to; here was an actor who brought 'Honest Abe' to life by being honest to him. Oberst's earnest delivery of the Emancipation Proclamation at the film's conclusion was the final deciding factor; I was a Bill Oberst Jr. fan, because here was an actor's actor who would do his utmost to respect the characters he portrayed. In his film and TV career, Oberst has continued to approach characters, many of whom have been irredeemable, evil characters, honestly. He doesn't try to sugar-coat them, he doesn't try to get the audience on his side by blunting or downplaying what these people are and what they are capable of. As a fan, I of course sought out other films in which he appeared, and was delighted to discover that, more often than not, his performances would invariably be the highlight of many films he appeared in. In the case of 'The Retrieval', a film in which as a fan I am permitted to come full circle upon, having been so impressed with his previous Civil War-era work, he benefits from a stellar cast around him. Given the opportunity to work with others of his acting caliber, armed with a strong script, an engaged director, and isolated outdoor locations that give a much broader sweep of area for him to work, Oberst delivers another strong performance.

The character in which Oberst portrays, the bounty hunter Burrel, is definitely the 'heavy' of the piece. He frames the film, appearing both in the opening minutes as well as the last, and his presence informs the work throughout. He is inarguably the most important character, by virtue of the simple fact that every decision taken by every other character is as a result of his words and deeds. Will, an orphaned slave whose only remaining familial connection is an opportunistic collaborator of an uncle, is both forced into a life of turning members of his own race in to Burrel as well as subsisting on the scraps of financial rewards for doing so. His story is thus one of being sold out himself; as a white slave profiteer Burrel is at least honest about what he does, while Uncle Marcus fools himself and attempts to convince Will that what they do is a temporary measure in order to gain the necessary resources to escape. T he moral complexity of 'The Retrieval' makes for fascinating viewing, buoyed by strong performances throughout. Given such meaty material to work with, the cast in general and Bill Oberst Jr in particular are afforded the opportunity to delve deep into their characters. Ashton Saunders as Will reveals an acting depth far above his youth, as he makes fine use of facial expressions and simple but meaningful glances to convey the character's confusion and sadness the adult burdens fostered upon him by his circumstances. Tishuan Scott is wonderful, lending weight to a character that becomes a father figure to Will, as well as a counter-point to Keston John's Marcus, providing a moral guidepost for Will to follow. He brings a deep sense of dignity to the part, conveying a man beaten down by life yet still capable of providing kindness to a young boy trapped in the moral hell of the American Civil War.

Solid

[Red_Identity · 10 December 2014]

I sort of wanted this to be a lot better. It's definitely not a bad film, but it did test my patience together with the fact that it's not really doing anything all that original. Comparisons to 12 Years A Slave are bound to come up, and while the general setting is the same in terms of atmosphere (of course) it's really not the same film at all. The acting here is really good, even if so many of the characters come off as caricatures. Yeah, after the reviews I just wanted this to be better, but as it is, it's not bad. I think it's good, if just that, but the cinematography is really good for an indie and the overall production is too. The script has problems, but that's not entirely surprising.

Seeing This Masterpiece 7 Years later Is A Spiritual Gift

[zac-68274 · 10/10 · 7 May 2020]

This movie fell into my lap unintentionally looking at bios from another movie. I'll dismiss the circumstances as a spiritual inheritance. Exceptional cinematography all through. The movie was well written placing the viewer along side characters during the unwavering journey to melancholic requiem.