You ever feel like you're just running on a hamster wheel? Like you’re pushing so hard for that next promotion or title that you’ve completely forgotten why you started in the first place? That’s basically the heartbeat of the 2016 movie Advance and Retreat. It’s one of those films that pops up on a rainy Sunday afternoon and, honestly, hits way harder than you’d expect a "TV movie" to hit.
Most people skip over these types of stories. They want the big explosions or the gritty true crime. But there is something incredibly human about Allison’s journey in this film. It’s not just about a corporate retreat or a rekindled flame. It’s about the terrifying realization that sometimes, the only way to actually move forward is to take a massive, ego-bruising step back.
What is Advance and Retreat Actually About?
At its core, the movie follows Allison (played by Riley Voelkel), an ambitious junior executive who is basically living for her career. She’s sharp. She’s driven. She’s also kind of miserable, though she wouldn't admit it. When her boss sends her to a corporate retreat to land a big client, she runs straight into her past. Specifically, she runs into her first love, Bryce (Casey Deidrick).
Here’s the thing. This isn't just a "will they, won't they" romance.
The retreat happens at the very place where their relationship fell apart years ago. It’s a classic narrative setup, sure, but it serves a bigger purpose. The title advance and retreat film refers to the dual nature of her life. She’s trying to "advance" her career, but she’s constantly "retreating" into her memories and her old regrets.
The movie plays with this idea that "retreat" isn't a dirty word. In the military, a retreat is a tactical move. In business, a retreat is a way to regroup. In life? Sometimes a retreat is the only way to save your soul.
The Cast That Made It Work
You've probably seen these actors around. Riley Voelkel is a powerhouse—many know her from The Originals or Roswell, New Mexico. She brings a certain groundedness to Allison. She doesn't play her as a cold corporate robot, but as someone who is genuinely trying her best and failing to find balance.
Then you have Casey Deidrick. He brings that "boy next door who grew up" energy. Their chemistry is what carries the middle act. It doesn't feel forced. It feels like two people who actually have history.
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And we have to talk about C. Thomas Howell. Yeah, that C. Thomas Howell from The Outsiders. He plays Nathan, and seeing him in this mentor-style role adds a layer of "expert" weight to the production. It’s a nice nod for film buffs who grew up with 80s cinema.
Why the "Corporate Retreat" Trope Actually Works Here
Retreats are usually awkward. We’ve all been there—trust falls, weird icebreakers, and lukewarm coffee in a drafty lodge. The film uses this setting to strip away the corporate armor. Allison can’t hide behind her spreadsheets when she’s forced to do outdoor activities with the guy who broke her heart (or whom she broke, depending on how you look at it).
It’s about the environment.
Nature.
No Wi-Fi.
Just people.
By placing the characters in the woods, the director (Steven R. Monroe) forces them to be honest. You can't "advance" your career goals when you're literally stuck in the mud. You have to deal with the person standing next to you.
The Message Most People Miss
The tagline of the advance and retreat film is often summarized as "taking a step back to make a leap forward."
That sounds like a cheesy LinkedIn post, right?
But honestly, the film handles it with more nuance. It acknowledges the fear of failure. Allison is terrified that if she doesn't get this promotion, she’s nothing. That’s a very 2026 sentiment. We are more connected and more pressured than ever. We feel like if we aren't constantly advancing, we are losing.
The film argues that the "retreat" is where the growth happens. It’s the silence between the notes.
Is it technically a "Good" Movie?
Look, let’s be real. If you’re looking for Oppenheimer levels of cinematography, you’re in the wrong place. This is a PixL Entertainment / Larry Levinson production. It’s meant to be comforting. It’s visual soul food.
However, the pacing is solid. The script by Matt Marx avoids some of the more eye-rolling cliches of the genre. It doesn't treat the audience like they're stupid. It understands that career burnout is real and that sometimes, your "first love" was actually the person who knew the real you before the world got its hands on you.
Actionable Takeaways from the Film
Even if you just watch it for the vibes, there are some pretty legit life lessons buried in the plot:
- Audit Your "Advances": Ask yourself if the goal you're chasing is actually yours, or if you're just doing it because you're "supposed" to. Allison realizes her "advance" was a mask for her loneliness.
- Embrace the Tactical Retreat: If you’re burnt out, stop pushing. A weekend away without your phone isn't "wasted time." It’s maintenance.
- Reconnect with Your "Why": Bryce represents Allison's pre-corporate self. Sometimes you need to talk to people who knew you before you had a "personal brand."
- Stop Fearing the Backstep: In the movie, taking a lower-pressure path didn't ruin Allison's life; it actually gave her the clarity to succeed on her own terms.
If you’re looking to watch it, it often cycles through platforms like Apple TV, UPtv, or Amazon Prime. It’s a 1-hour and 27-minute commitment that might actually make you feel better about your own chaotic life path.
Sometimes, the best way to win the race is to stop running for a second and check if you’re even on the right track. That’s the real legacy of this film. It’s a reminder that it's okay to breathe. Take the retreat. You might find exactly what you were trying to advance toward was behind you all along.