Retreat, the debut thriller by writer-director Ted Evans, is now in production in the UK, promising to be a unique addition to the thriller genre with its all-deaf principal cast and creator. With XYZ Films at the helm for world sales, Retreat is poised to intrigue audiences as part of their New Visions initiative, showcasing bold voices pushing cinematic boundaries.
Evans’ film follows Matt (James Boyle), raised within an isolated, idyllic deaf community. The arrival of enigmatic newcomer Eva (Anne Zander) stirs Matt’s world, leading him to confront hidden truths about his community and his own identity. The film’s atmosphere has been likened to The Invitation and CODA, blending suspense with emotional depth to create a gripping narrative centered on deaf experiences.
Produced by The Fold and 104 Films, Retreat is supported by BFI, BBC Film, and the West Midlands Production Fund, with producers Michelle Stein, Jennifer Monks, and Alex Usborne overseeing the project. The Fold expressed their excitement to share Evans’ vision, marking the thriller as “the world’s first deaf thriller.” Todd Brown, Head of International Acquisitions at XYZ Films, adds, “This project captivated us from the first read.”
Evans’ previous accolades include award-winning shorts such as The End and Retreat, with the latter now expanded into his first feature film. As a leading figure in deaf storytelling, Evans is celebrated for his work in Signs for Change, a documentary featuring Rose Ayling-Ellis, and his acclaimed short To Know Him, which was nominated for Best Short Film at the British Independent Film Awards.
