In Retreat(2024)

Storyline

A man in his fifties returns to his family's mountain home after a long absence. He arrives too late for his brother's funeral and hesitates at the door of the old house. His return is marked by delay, as he puts off going inside for another night.

“A long-awaited return. A home that waits.”

Vibe & Tags

Cast & Crew

#1

Harish KhannaActor

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#2

A

Ashok MeenaCrew

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#3

M

Maisam AliDirector

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Trivia

• The film was shot entirely on location in the remote mountains of Ladakh, using natural light to capture the changing seasons.
• Maisam Ali cast non-professional actors from local communities to bring authenticity to the small-town setting.
• The movie's sparse dialogue and long takes reflect the influence of slow cinema and European art-house traditions.
• It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in the Directors' Fortnight section, a rare feat for an Indian indie film.
• The story was inspired by Ali's own observations of displacement and return in Himalayan regions.
• The soundtrack uses minimal ambient sounds and silence, emphasizing the isolation of the landscape.
• Principal photography was completed in just 18 days due to challenging weather and high-altitude conditions.