7.8 stars.
This starts off like all the usual Hallmarks, two female best friends are heading off to a wilderness retreat to unwind and refresh before returning to their stressful reality. While at the retreat, the lead female's old best friend from high school happens to be attending as well. He sees her immediately, but she is a cynic and has some unfavorable memories of their parting so long ago and the circumstances. She quickly makes herself scarce, hoping to delay the inevitable "reunion" as long as possible. As we get to know her character, we are shown that she indeed is a very cynical person, but she prefers to be called a realist. Evidently, this is ultimately why her friend has dragged her to this retreat. Seeing her male best friend from the past has amped up the drama.
The story of their past is interesting and the director rewards us with some well crafted flashbacks featuring two younger actors portraying them as teenagers. These past shots are expertly done and very favorable to the entertainment value of the movie.
Eventually we learn why they haven't been in contact for so long and that whole trope was not a surprise at all. It's the same concoction of misunderstandings and ignorance amongst youths and the regrets they now feel and how they could have made better decisions...
This film was very well done, no matter what you may read in other reviews, both of these actors bring their "A" game. There are very heartfelt and tearful moments shared between them, and also between her and her best friend. I was surprised that the story doesn't fizzle out at any point, but continues to be entertaining and more endearing as time passes.
The dialogue is logical and meaningful, and I actually learned a few key fundamentals about friendship and loyalty. I thought I'd learned it all by now, but some new sage advice is waiting in the script of 'Retreat to You' if you wish to see for yourself. And when it hits you, grab a tissue.
