By David Dent
I rather liked Tim Bryn Smith’s 2020 lockdown comedy TAWN-19; six years on, his latest feature also includes scenes of mask-wearing and elbow bumping, suggesting that at least some of it may have been filmed during those dark times.
If that’s the case, it may offer an explanation as to why Surrender to It feels a little messy, if not unenjoyable.
A reunion has been arranged for a group of people who all belonged to an actor’s collective. Since the collapse of the group, the members have gone their separate ways but have been recalled for an outward-bound weekend by one of their number, Timmy (Ben Grace).
Others in the group include Dani (Daemian Greaves), keen to get some distance from his wife following the tragic death of their young son, influencer Evie (Chantelle Lee), mum Chrissy (Clare Alexandra Isabelle McGill) and actual actor Ram aka Tristan (Fletcher Graham), a successful movie star who’s turned up with his assistant Pryce (Alexander Rose). There’s also the rather strange Jeff (Danny Shooter), who nobody seems to know.
The group’s getaway plans are somewhat ruined by the intervention of three locals – very Eden Lake – who object to the townies’ presence. But beyond this, there’s also a mystery via the strange tale of a local bridge, requiring the submission of the soul to cross it.
All of these elements entwine themselves as Tristan and Price unveil a more sinister plan for everyone, and the locals, with one eye on mischief, decide to lace the townies’ food with magic mushrooms. It’s kind of hard to pin Surrender to It down – to some extent, the watching advice is contained in the title. Things turn sinister but never downright nasty, and the real pleasure of the movie is spending time with the friends, rather than guessing what might happen to them. Smith might not be quite sure what he wants to serve up, but it’s an appealing mess of themes, drugs and camaraderie.
Surrender To It is available now on digital platforms.
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