The Retrieval

  • 2013
  • R
  • 92m
movieMx RATING
6.4/1051
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: The Retrieval Review

Last updated: February 19, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 19, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 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.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, The Retrieval stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: The Retrieval

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2013, The Retrieval is a Western, Drama, History, Adventure film directed by Chris Eska. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ashton Sanders.

Ending Explained: The Retrieval

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Chris Eska, 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 involving Ashton Sanders, 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 directed by Chris Eska, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Ashton Sanders's character.

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 Ashton Sanders or the director
  • Want solid genre entertainment
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Top Cast: The Retrieval

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Where to Watch The Retrieval Online?

Streaming Hub

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The Retrieval Parents Guide & Age Rating

2013 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Retrieval age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Retrieval is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Retrieval is 92 minutes (1h 32m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, The Retrieval is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2013 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Retrieval. Rating: 6.4/10

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

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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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.4
The Retrieval
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-retrieval-169800" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 6.4</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The Retrieval</div></div></a>

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