Silent Retreat (2013)

A chilling Canadian horror-thriller where a woodland rehabilitation center hides something far more dangerous than silence.

Silent Retreat - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Silent Retreat
  • Release Year: 2013
  • Directed by: Tricia Lee
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
  • Runtime: 1h 25m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): October 20, 2013 (Canada - 18A), February 27, 2015 (Germany - 18)
  • Alternative Titles: Absoluter Gehorsam - Silent Retreat (DE)
  • Production Companies: A Film Monkey Production
  • Production Countries: Canada

Silent Retreat - Plot

Janey arrives at a silent retreat in the middle of the woods for rehabilitation, only to discover that the men who run it aren't afraid to show her what lurks beyond the trees.

Where to Watch Silent Retreat

Looking for where to watch Silent Retreat?

Silent Retreat - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Tricia Lee

Main Cast

  • Chelsea Jenish
  • Sofia Banzhaf
  • Robert Nolan
  • Jen Pogue
  • Matthew Romantini
  • Mark Buck
  • Jennie Foster
  • Katie Buitendyk
  • Jenna Jade Rain
  • Mark Kalpakis

Writers

  • Corey Brown
  • Tricia Lee

Producers

  • Tricia Lee

Silent Retreat - FAQs

What is Silent Retreat about?

Silent Retreat follows Janey, a young woman sent to a remote woodland rehabilitation center. What seems like a strict, isolated program quickly turns sinister as she discovers the men running the retreat are hiding something monstrous beyond the tree line — and silence may be the only thing keeping everyone alive.

Who are the main actors in Silent Retreat?

Chelsea Jenish leads the cast as Janey, joined by Sofia Banzhaf as Alexis and Robert Nolan as the Doctor. Jen Pogue, Matthew Romantini, Mark Buck, Jennie Foster, Katie Buitendyk, Jenna Jade Rain, and Mark Kalpakis round out the ensemble.

What is the creature in Silent Retreat?

The creature lurking in the woods of Silent Retreat is deliberately kept mysterious and unsettling. Multiple performers — including Angela Newell, Sable Rae Empey, Minerva Mohabir, and Meghan Nora Smith — portray it physically, while Mark Kalpakis provides its voice, giving it an eerie, layered presence.

Where can you stream Silent Retreat?

You can stream Silent Retreat on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads at no extra cost, or watch it free with ads on Pluto TV and Plex Channel. It's also available to buy or rent through Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

Does Silent Retreat explore feminist themes?

Absolutely. Silent Retreat weaves feminist themes throughout its horror framework, examining gender roles, control, and the silencing of women. Directed and co-written by Tricia Lee, the film uses its woodland retreat setting as a chilling metaphor for patriarchal systems that enforce obedience and punish resistance.

Who directed Silent Retreat?

Silent Retreat was directed by Tricia Lee, a Canadian filmmaker who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Corey Brown and served as producer. The film stands as a notable entry in Canadian genre cinema, often cited within the canuxploitation tradition for its bold, low-budget horror sensibility.

When was Silent Retreat released?

Silent Retreat had its Canadian premiere on October 20, 2013, with an 18A rating. It later received a German release on February 27, 2015, under the title Absoluter Gehorsam - Silent Retreat, and reached US audiences through streaming platforms in June 2015.

What movies are similar to Silent Retreat?

If Silent Retreat left you wanting more, check out Never Let Go (2024), Dark Harvest (2023), Tin & Tina (2023), Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon (2022), and You Won't Be Alone (2022). For something with a similar isolated-dread atmosphere, Stranger in the Woods (2024) and Home for Rent (2023) are worth a look.

More About Silent Retreat

Explore further details and official listings for Silent Retreat below.

Help Us Keep Our Content Accurate.

Report an Error