Is Retrograde Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2014)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2014, Retrograde represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Animation category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Uranus City: the last outpost in our solar system. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Animation are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Uranus City: the last outpost in our solar system. The rarely visited and near-empty space station 'Sage' orbits the city and its inhabitants. Two remain stranded on board, a human called Jemima and a bored and lonely alien tourist called London. Oblivious to the danger, they missed boarding the last escape pods to evacuate the station's population to the city below. London's unresisting affection for Jemima is tested when she comes up with a plan to escape their situation, whether he likes it or not. The short is a stop motion film, animated with characters made with armature bodies and hand-drawn replacement faces, and sets made primarily with cardboard."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Jasmine Hughes ensure that the emotional beats of Retrograde always land with sufficient weight. Jasmine Hughes provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by George Metaxas is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 12 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Retrograde truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Animation, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 5/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Retrograde explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2014 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and George Metaxas respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Retrograde is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Jasmine Hughes or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Retrograde is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.