Succubus
5.7
In an era where self-help and relationship-building retreats have gained immense popularity, a new and ominous twist emerges in the narrative of personal growth. "The Retreat" centers on a group of young couples who embark on a seemingly transformative journey to a remote, private island. They’ve been promised that this retreat will strengthen their bonds, offering them a chance to deepen their relationships and overcome the obstacles that have long plagued their partnerships. What begins as an idyllic opportunity for introspection and improvement soon spirals into a fight for survival against an ancient and powerful force.
The couples arrive at the island, eager for the experience and unaware of the dark history tied to the location. The retreat is hosted by a mysterious organization that claims to specialize in helping couples reconnect. Activities designed to promote communication, trust, and emotional intimacy are set to unfold, but the atmosphere soon turns uneasy. It becomes clear that something is deeply wrong with the island, as strange occurrences and unsettling phenomena begin to unsettle the group.
The true horror begins when the couples encounter the island’s most terrifying secret: an ancient demon— a Succubus—lurking in the shadows. Unlike the typical portrayals of demons in popular media, this creature is far more insidious. It is not just a monstrous, otherworldly being, but a manipulator of human nature. The Succubus feeds off the life energy of its victims, drawing power from their emotions, desires, and darkest impulses. However, its most terrifying trait is its ability to assume the appearance of anyone it chooses. The demon becomes a shape-shifter, capable of assuming the form of someone familiar to its victims, thus sowing distrust, fear, and chaos among the group.
As the Succubus begins to manipulate the couples, it forces them to confront the very worst qualities within themselves. The demon amplifies their deepest insecurities, turning minor conflicts into catastrophic confrontations. The once loving relationships are pushed to their breaking points as the couples begin to unravel emotionally and psychologically. Each person is forced to confront not only their own fears but also the darkness that lies at the heart of their relationships.
The Succubus uses its powers to provoke jealousy, anger, betrayal, and hatred, pushing each individual to commit terrible acts against one another. No longer united in their shared goal of self-improvement, the couples begin to fracture under the weight of the demon’s manipulation. What was meant to be a retreat to heal and grow becomes a nightmare of twisted emotions and harrowing choices.
In the midst of this chaos, the survivors must find a way to band together, battling not just the demon but the very human flaws it has magnified within them. The retreat becomes a fight for more than just their relationships; it becomes a fight for their very souls. As the island’s sinister secrets come to light, the couples must uncover a way to defeat the Succubus before it destroys them all.
"The Retreat" offers a chilling exploration of the vulnerability of the human psyche and the fragility of relationships. It’s a story that combines the suspense of a psychological thriller with the terror of supernatural horror, reminding us that sometimes the greatest danger lies not in the monsters we can see, but in the darkness that lurks within ourselves.
Director: Serik Beyseu
Cast: Angelina Pakhomova, Anton Rival, Arthur Beschastny, Ksenia Pikalova, Nino Ninidze, Paulina Vrublevska, Pierre Bourel, Polina Davydova, Vasiliy Evseev, Viktor Mikhailov
