Surrender to It Review: A Cringe-Worthy Actor Reunion on a Hiking Trip
Writer-director Tim Bryn Smith appears to have missed a crucial memo from 1992, drafted right after the widespread derision that greeted the luvvie-fest Peter's Friends. That memo clearly stated that any film centered on a group of friends who are or were formerly actors reuniting is prime fodder for sneering, sniping, and eye-rolling disdain. Audiences generally do not enjoy watching actors portray actors, a fact underscored despite the recent Oscar win for Sentimental Value. Yet, Bryn Smith and his colleagues have evidently failed to read the room, resulting in the nearly insufferable Surrender to It. This film follows a motley collection of aging would-be thespians who originally met at a drama workshop and now reconvene for a hiking weekend.
A Script Born from Improv and Random Hat Suggestions
The screenplay, credited to Bryn Smith and Chris Wetton, feels as though it emerged from a series of improv exercises and random suggestions plucked from a hat. One narrative thread involves Dani, played by Daemian Greaves, who delivers the best performance in a very average cast, and Celena, portrayed by Melissa May Smith. They are a bereaved couple mourning their deceased son. While this subplot is handled with some sensitivity, its maudlin tone clashes awkwardly with the supposedly comic elements that dominate the rest of the film.
These comedic subplots focus on the other highly unlikely former best friends. Ram, played by Fletcher Graham, has become a big-time movie star recovering from a recent scandal reminiscent of Johnny Depp, accompanied by a hanger-on named Alexander Rose. Hugo, portrayed by Bryn Smith himself, is the talent that never flourished, harboring deep feelings for another group member in an unexpected twist. Influencer Evie, played by Chantelle Lee, has her own secret affections for one of the cohort, while her friend Chrissy, portrayed by Clare Alexandra Isabelle McGill, is being courted by a gigolo with a ridiculous Latin accent whom audiences never meet. Additionally, dopey Timmy, played by Ben Grace, enlists everyone to help him find treasure hidden by his recently deceased father.
Amateur Production and Stiff Acting Undermine the Film
Meanwhile, a trio of asbo-adjacent locals, who appear far too well-groomed to fit the slovenly stereotypes established by the dialogue, play a role in the main group accidentally consuming magic mushrooms and getting out of their heads. This latter element might hint at how the script was concocted, but it does not excuse the stiff, gestural quality of most performances, the amateurish production values, or the scissorhand editing that plagues the film. Surrender to It echoes the 1992 film Peter's Friends, and given its preposterous script and lackluster production, it is likely to generate similar levels of disdain from viewers and critics alike.
The film is set for release on digital platforms starting March 30, offering a blend of pain and comedy that fails to resonate effectively. With its insufferable characters and disjointed narrative, Surrender to It serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of actor-centric reunion stories, highlighting the challenges of balancing drama and humor without professional polish.
