Retake (2016) is a drama film directed by Nick Corporon that delves into themes of identity, self-discovery, and emotional connections. The film follows the story of a man named Jonathan (played by Tuc Watkins), who, feeling lost and unfulfilled, hires a young man named Brandon (played by Devoreaux White) to role-play as his ex-lover during a trip to the Pacific Northwest. Jonathan is searching for closure on a past relationship, one that has deeply impacted him, and he believes this role-play will help him confront his emotions and come to terms with the past.
The story becomes an exploration of both menβs personal struggles as they engage in the role-play, with Jonathanβs need to relive his past clashes with Brandonβs own issues with his identity and desires. What begins as a seemingly simple arrangement turns into a deep emotional journey for both characters. Over the course of their time together, their roles and the dynamics of their relationship become more complicated, and they start to develop a genuine bond with each other, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality.
Retake is a thought-provoking film about the complexities of human connections and the ways in which we seek closure from our past while confronting the realities of our present lives. The filmβs exploration of emotional vulnerability, loss, and the search for personal meaning resonates with themes of longing, redemption, and the search for self-acceptance.
The movie is intimate and contemplative, focusing on the emotional landscapes of the two central characters. It offers an insightful look into how we process and cope with our pasts, especially when it comes to love and loss, and how these experiences shape who we are. Through its quiet storytelling and nuanced performances, Retake captures the rawness of human emotion and the healing that can come from truly connecting with another person.