Retreat: “The Invitation meets CODA” thriller has an all-deaf lead cast

Variety reports that production is underway on Retreat, the debut feature from deaf writer/director Ted Evans, a project that’s being described as a groundbreaking thriller – and it’s groundbreaking because it happens to have an all-deaf lead cast. The cast consists of Anne Zander (Sleeping Dog), James Boyle (The Final Goodbye), Sophie Stone (The Chelsea Detective), Ace Mahbaz (Small World), and newcomer Anna Seymore.

The story Evans has crafted for Retreat takes place in an isolated deaf community, where cracks begin to appear in Matt’s (Boyle) seemingly idyllic world when the arrival of enigmatic outsider Eva (Zander) forces him to question the realities of his identity. Is Matt prepared to discover what lies beneath the surface of his supposedly utopian community and the costs demanded to maintain it?

The film is being produced by The Fold and 104 Films, Michelle Stein, Jennifer Monks, and Alex Usborne. Financing has been provided by BFI (awarding National Lottery funding), BBC Film, and West Midlands Production Fund. Claudia Yusef of BBC Film, Louise Ortega of BFI, and Paul Ashton of Creative UK serve as executive producers. XYZ Films is handling worldwide sales on the thriller, which is said to be “part of their New Visions slate of films, an initiative designed to spotlight the boldest new voices alongside established talent, striking a new path in the international space.”

Todd Brown, head of international acquisitions at XYZ, gave the following statement: “XYZ is beyond thrilled to be working with Ted Evans on his debut feature. We immediately fell in love with this unique and compelling world from the first page of the script. Imagine Karyn Kusama’s The Invitation blended with CODA and you have the world of Evans’ Retreat. It is tense and striking and there’s never been anything quite like it.” I liked The Invitation and loved CODA, so I’m interested to see what this mash-up of sorts is going to be like.

The Fold added, “Ted’s vision for the world’s first deaf thriller is as exciting as it seems and we can’t wait to share this unique film with audiences.”

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