Retreat - Punk, Retirement & Reflection
The punk generation is retiring. How will they handle it? A personal and poetic reflection on aging and retirement by filmmaker Micke Westerlund, together with friends from Rågsved and Oasen. A film about life with humor, tragedy, and comedy, told by an old group of punks – in a punky way.
Retreat?
Is it a film about punk?
Retreat is a powerful documentary that delves into the later stages of life through the eyes of four old friends, whose lives and sense of community were shaped by the Stockholm suburb of Rågsved and their shared love of punk. The film poses a central question: when you reach an age where you’re looking back more than forward, what is there left to look forward to?
In Retreat, we follow these friends as they navigate the challenges of aging, wrestle with their new identity as retirees, and hold on to their punk roots. Their journey is filled with conversations, humor, and warmth, showing us that it’s never too late to live life to the fullest. Guided by the motto ‘Too late to die young,’ they embark together on the adventure towards death, all while reflecting on their past and the uncertainties of what lies ahead.
The film captures the essence of friendship, creativity, and life’s unpredictable nature, revealing how these four individuals find meaning and joy in each new day, despite the passage of time.
Premiere on November 10th on SVT Play
Retreat - Punk, Retirement & Reflection will be available to watch on SVT Play from November 10th. The linear broadcast premiere is on November 14th at 8:00 PM on SVT 2. If you’re interested in attending the press screening in Stockholm on November 7th, please use the link below.
Retreat is produced by Annika Gritti and Andreas Eidhagen at The Motor in co-production with Mikael Westerlund. The project manager at SVT is Saam Kapadia. The film is produced by The Motor Moving Pictures in co-production with Råg Produktion and SVT, with support from the Swedish Film Institute, film commissioner Jannik Splidsboel, Scen&Film, and Scenkonst Sörmland.