“Refuge”

Writer and director Anton Sigurdsson’s thriller “Refuge” may take its time getting started, but it becomes a tense and deeply unsettling ride once it locks into place. Sigurdsson shows a strong command of the genre, building a story that thrives on paranoia, buried secrets, and the slow unraveling of trust.

The film centers on four estranged friends, Barry (Donald Paul), Jay (Christopher Dietrick), Mike (Adam Dorsey), and grieving father Sam (Adam Sinclair), reuniting for a fishing trip that quickly spirals into something far more sinister. What begins as an uneasy guys’ weekend turns into a deadly interrogation when Sam accuses one of the men of being responsible for his daughter’s disappearance years earlier. That’s when the film shifts into a psychological chess match that leans heavily on high stakes mind games and emotional manipulation rather than straightforward action.

It’s in these moments that the film is at its strongest. The premise is gripping, and there’s more than enough intrigue to keep you hooked as accusations fly and alliances fracture. Watching the group turn on each other and never being quite sure who might be hiding something is where the tension continues to build. The film digs into themes of loyalty, guilt, and survival, asking how far someone would go when pushed to the brink. And in this case, it’s pretty far.

Sam is a fascinating and disturbing figure. His actions grow increasingly violent and extreme, yet the film complicates things by making his desperation understandable. There’s an uncomfortable truth at the center of his story, and one that his character correctly notes that anyone might do the same in his position. That moral gray area gives the film its edge, even when it ventures into very dark and violent territory.

Even thought the film is extremely well made, the central idea occasionally feels stretched thin. Sam’s interrogation dynamic and subsequently spilled secrets become a repetitive narrative pattern as the story circles around the familiar (and similar). But even when it drags, there’s still a lingering sense of curiosity that keeps you invested. The twists land well, and while the premise is relatively simple, it’s executed with enough confidence to keep you guessing.

Despite its generic title, “Refuge” stands out as a solid psychological crime thriller. It’s violent, intense, and unafraid to explore the darkest corners of human behavior. The film may not fully sustain its momentum, but it’s a great one for fans of character-driven suspense.

By: Louisa Moore