Surrender to It Review: An Insufferable Reunion of Ageing Actors
Writer-director Tim Bryn Smith appears to have ignored the longstanding cinematic rule that films centred on actors playing actors often invite widespread derision and eye-rolling disdain. This principle was firmly established back in 1992 with the lukewarm reception of Peter's Friends, yet Bryn Smith and his collaborators have boldly disregarded this cautionary tale. The result is Surrender to It, a near-insufferable thriller that follows a motley collection of ageing would-be thespians who originally met at a drama workshop and now reunite for a hiking weekend filled with pain and attempted comedy.
A Script Born from Improv and Randomness
The screenplay, credited to Bryn Smith and Chris Wetton, feels as though it emerged haphazardly from a series of improv exercises or random suggestions plucked from a hat. One narrative strand focuses on Dani, portrayed by Daemian Greaves, and Celena, played by Melissa May Smith, a bereaved couple mourning the loss of their son. While this subplot is handled with a degree of sensitivity, its maudlin tone clashes jarringly with the supposedly comic elements that dominate the rest of the film.
These comedic subplots involve an array of highly unlikely former friends, including:
- Ram, played by Fletcher Graham, a big-time movie star recovering from a scandal reminiscent of Johnny Depp, accompanied by a hanger-on named Alexander Rose.
- Hugo, portrayed by Bryn Smith himself, a talented individual who never flourished professionally and harbours deep, unexpected feelings for another group member.
- Influencer Evie, acted by Chantelle Lee, who secretly pines for one of the cohort, and her friend Chrissy, played by Clare Alexandra Isabelle McGill, who is being courted by an unseen gigolo with a ridiculous Latin accent.
- Dopey Timmy, portrayed by Ben Grace, who enlists the group's help to find treasure hidden by his recently deceased father.
Production Flaws and Amateurish Execution
Further complicating matters, a trio of asbo-adjacent locals, who appear far too well-groomed to fit the slovenly stereotypes assigned by the dialogue, become involved in the main gang accidentally consuming magic mushrooms. This plot point might hint at the chaotic origins of the script, but it does little to excuse the film's numerous technical shortcomings.
The acting throughout Surrender to It is characterised by a stiff, gestural quality that undermines any emotional depth, while the production values scream amateurism. The editing is particularly scissorhanded, contributing to a disjointed and unconvincing narrative flow. Despite these flaws, the film is set for release on digital platforms starting 30 March, though it is likely to generate levels of disdain similar to those faced by Peter's Friends decades ago.
In summary, Surrender to It is a preposterous and amateurish production that fails to blend its dramatic and comedic elements effectively, resulting in a viewing experience that is as painful as the hiking weekend it depicts.
