Is there any actual 'action' in this movie?

Not in the traditional sense. The 'spiraling' is almost entirely psychological and social. If you're looking for a thriller with chases or physical stakes, this isn't it.

Why is the rating so low?

It's likely due to a combination of a very unlikable protagonist and a script that stays stuck in one gear. Many viewers find 'neurotic' characters more annoying than sympathetic if the writing isn't sharp.

Is this appropriate for a 13-year-old?

It's probably 'safe' in terms of content, but it's incredibly boring for a middle-schooler. The themes of bureaucratic obsession and adult neuroticism won't land.

Is this related to the 2022 documentary 'Retrograde'?

No. That was a highly-acclaimed documentary about the end of the war in Afghanistan. This is a 2023 fictional drama about a traffic ticket. Make sure you're clicking on the right one.

Retrograde – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Retrograde

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2023

32%

WISE Score

A stressful, low-budget look at how a simple traffic ticket can trigger a total psychological meltdown.

2.5

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Retrograde

movie

2023

32%

WISE Score

A stressful, low-budget look at how a simple traffic ticket can trigger a total psychological meltdown.

2.5

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2.5

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Screenwise Verdict

Retrograde is a tough sell. It’s a 74-minute dive into a neurotic breakdown triggered by a traffic ticket. While that sounds like a relatable nightmare for anyone with an anxiety disorder, the basement-level ratings suggest this indie drama doesn't quite have the craft to pull it off.

For a family or even a casual movie night, this is a skip. It’s a niche character study that leans into the 'uncomfortable' side of cinema without the critical acclaim that usually makes that discomfort worth it. If you want a movie about a life spiraling out of control, there are much better versions of this story out there.

Age Fit

Best for older teens (16+) and adults. The themes of neuroticism and the legal system are likely too dry and stressful for younger kids to find any value in.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The film centers on a downward psychological spiral and neurotic obsession, which isn't exactly a model for healthy behavior or emotional regulation.

Imaginative

While it explores the internal landscape of anxiety, the grounded, mundane premise of a traffic citation doesn't offer much in the way of creative world-building or wonder.

Safe

Likely free from major blockbuster violence or gore, but the psychological intensity of an 'all-consuming obsession' can be taxing and inappropriate for younger viewers.

Enriching

There is potential for insight into mental health and the friction of modern bureaucracy, but the extremely low audience ratings suggest it fails to deliver a meaningful or engaging message.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Realistic anxiety portrayal that might resonate with people who have felt the weight of minor bureaucratic errors.
Short runtime at 74 minutes makes it a quick watch if you are looking for a focused character study.
Indie perspective on how small, everyday events can balloon into life-altering fixations.

⚠

What to Watch For

The protagonist’s obsessive behavior is the core of the film; it’s uncomfortable and purposely frustrating to watch.
A 2.5 TMDB rating is a massive red flag; expect low production values and a story that might not go anywhere satisfying.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think a small mistake like a traffic ticket can make someone feel like their whole world is falling apart?"
"When you feel overwhelmed by a small problem, what are some ways to keep it from becoming an obsession?"
"Does the movie make the legal system look fair, or just confusing and stressful?"

Deep Dive

The Anxiety of the Mundane

Retrograde attempts to capture a very specific modern horror: the way a tiny crack in your record—a minor traffic citation—can feel like a literal abyss opening up under your feet. For the protagonist, this isn't just a fine to be paid; it's a catalyst for a total loss of control.

In theory, this is fertile ground for a psychological drama. We live in a world of high-stakes bureaucracy where one wrong form or one missed deadline can feel catastrophic. However, the execution here seems to have missed the mark for most viewers. With a TMDB score of 2.5, it’s clear that the 'neuroticism' described in the synopsis translates to a viewing experience that many found more grating than insightful.

Why the low score matters

Usually, when a film is this short and has such a specific premise, it's trying to be a punchy, 'Uncut Gems' style stress-fest. But without strong direction or a compelling lead performance, these stories just become repetitive. You're essentially watching someone make their own life worse for an hour. For a parent looking for something to watch with a teen, this lack of narrative payoff is the biggest hurdle.

If your teen is interested in filmmaking or psychological character studies, they might find something to dissect here, but for everyone else, the 'Retrograde' experience is likely just as frustrating as the traffic ticket that started it.

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