Quick Summary
On a remote island, a couple meets a stranger who brings a dire warning, yet they remain unsure of his sincerity. The ensuing tension drives the plot of this atmospheric thriller set against the island's isolation and tests their relationship.
About This Program ✦
Retreat is a programme presented in the format of a movie, positioned within the thriller genre. The title alone hints at an atmosphere of tension, and the production is set up as a self‑contained narrative rather than a series. It promises a compact, high‑stakes story that unfolds over a single viewing. The story follows a couple who have found themselves isolated on an island. Their routine is shattered when a stranger arrives, delivering a stark warning that suggests imminent danger. Yet the pair are left uncertain whether the visitor’s claims can be trusted, creating a palpable sense of doubt that drives the central conflict of the film. The film features performances from Jamie Bell, Cillian Murphy and Thandiwe Newton. Each actor brings their own presence to the tense scenario, adding depth to the characters caught in the island’s unsettling circumstances. Their involvement signals a strong ensemble that anchors the unfolding mystery, and their chemistry enhances the tension. Retreat maintains its thriller classification throughout, keeping the audience on edge as the couple wrestles with the stranger’s ominous message. The narrative’s focus on uncertainty and potential peril underscores the genre’s hallmarks, delivering a concise yet intense viewing experience that hinges on whether the warning proves genuine, and leaves the viewer questioning the reality of the threat.
Retreat broadcasts on BBC Two Northern Ireland HD at 11:45pm, Tuesday, 3 February 2026. (Subtitles)


