Performance & Direction: The Retrieval Review
Last updated: January 21, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Retrieval (2013) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Western.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Western is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Retrieval features a noteworthy lineup led by Ashton Sanders . Supported by the likes of Tishuan Scott and Keston John , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Retrieval (2013) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: The Retrieval
Quick Plot Summary: The Retrieval is a Western, Drama, History, Adventure film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: The Retrieval
Ending Breakdown: The Retrieval concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to western resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the western themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Retrieval reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Retrieval Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Retrieval draws heavily from documented historical records. As a western, drama, history, adventure film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: The Retrieval adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Retrieval?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Western films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Top Cast: The Retrieval
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Where to Watch The Retrieval Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Kino Film Collection🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV
Fandango At HomeThe Retrieval Parents Guide & Age Rating
2013 AdvisoryWondering about The Retrieval age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Retrieval is 92 minutes (1h 32m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, The Retrieval stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2013 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Retrieval worth watching?
The Retrieval is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Retrieval parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Retrieval identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Retrieval?
The total duration of The Retrieval is 92 minutes, which is approximately 1h 32m long.
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Critic Reviews for The Retrieval
> Despite knowing it is wrong, doing what has to do to be alive and make some money. This is not a great film from a great director and writer, not even based on the real, just a simple road drama, yet very powerful. Though how do you look at it makes all the impact. The title says it all, it takes place in the year 1864, about a teen African-American boy who partnered with another man to help the bounty hunters to catch their target. One such mission is to retrieve a man from far away place and how they are going to do it the story speaks intensely. It looks a bit like 'Slow West' because of the journey the main characters make, but it is different and quite interesting. I don't know anybody from this film, but I'm pleased with their character executions. The boy was at his best, I don't know he would win any award for it, but mentioning and appreciating him is at least the right thing to do. Because a small film like this won't get much attention other than critics through film festivals. So I saw it and I'm glad I saw it. It was much better than other similar films. Realistic approach was the highlight. During the civil war and lots of casualties happened around, this little adventure of three was told better than I anticipated. Being an African-American at that time of the United States was not very fortunate. It just reveals the actual atmosphere and other related stuffs how difficult it was then. It started off like some kind of a serious bounty hunting story and then slowed in the remaining parts, until the final sequence to get emotional. Does not feel like a fictional tale, definitely a small gem. I think feeling it should have been a bit better is normal, but overall I'm satisfied and recommend it for those who wants a good B movie. 6.5/10
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.









