Review of "Surrender to It": A Disjointed Reunion of Actors

"Surrender to It," directed by Tim Bryn Smith, revolves around a reunion of former actors who gather for a hiking weekend filled with comedic and dramatic moments. The film features a cast that includes Daemian Greaves as Dani, Melissa May Smith as Celena, Fletcher Graham as Ram, and Bryn Smith himself as Hugo, among others. The narrative intertwines themes of grief and humor, particularly through the lens of a bereaved couple mourning their deceased son.

The Guardian

The film's central characters include Dani and Celena, who navigate their loss while interacting with a group of friends that includes Ram, a movie star recovering from a scandal, and Hugo, an aspiring talent with unrequited feelings. Other notable characters are influencer Evie and her friend Chrissy, who is pursued by a gigolo. The plot also introduces a subplot involving Timmy, who seeks hidden treasure left by his father, and a trio of locals who contribute to the group's misadventures, including an incident involving magic mushrooms.

The Guardian

Critics have pointed out that "Surrender to It" suffers from a lack of coherence, with the script appearing to stem from improvised exercises rather than a polished narrative. The juxtaposition of serious themes, such as grief, with comedic elements has been described as jarring. The performances have been characterized as stiff, and the production quality has drawn criticism for being amateurish. The film's editing has also been noted as disjointed, further detracting from the overall viewing experience.

The Guardian

While specific official responses to the film have not been detailed, the general sentiment among critics suggests a consensus on its shortcomings. The film has been compared unfavorably to previous works that explore similar themes, such as "Peter’s Friends," indicating a broader skepticism towards films featuring actors playing actors.

The Guardian

There is a notable absence of positive reviews or endorsements from reputable critics, which raises questions about the film's reception. Additionally, the lack of detailed audience feedback limits the understanding of its impact on viewers.

The Guardian

• “The script, credited to Bryn Smith and Chris Wetton, feels like it rose out of a bunch of improv exercises and random suggestions fished out of a hat.” — The Guardian

The Guardian

• “While this is handled with some sensitivity, the maudlin tone doesn’t mix at all well with the supposedly comic subplots that occupy the rest of the running time.” — The Guardian

The Guardian

In summary, "Surrender to It" presents an ambitious yet flawed attempt to blend humor and drama through the lens of a group of former actors. Despite its potential, the execution has left critics and audiences largely unimpressed.

The Guardian