“Couples Retreat Murder” is a mystery thriller film from Lifetime. Directed by Amy Barrett, the story is about Jim and Becky, a married couple trying to fix their marriage. They go to a remote couples retreat to spend time together. But things take a turn when Becky’s ex-boyfriend from college appears. Then, a guest goes missing, and the host of the retreat is found dead. Now, Jim and Becky wonder if this trip was a mistake. The remote and dry setting of the retreat adds to the suspenseful mood of the film.
Where was “Couples Retreat Murder” Filmed?
Filming for “Couples Retreat Murder” took place completely in California, mostly in San Bernardino County. The main filming started in the second week of March 2024 and ended by the end of the same month. After filming finished, cast member Jessica Hillis shared her experience on social media. She said, “That’s a wrap! Great working with @ribhillis @gingerfirefly & wonderful director @__the_expert_amy along with many other amazing people.”
San Bernardino County, California
All of the main sequences in “Couples Retreat Murder” were filmed in San Bernardino County, California. The production team made extensive use of Joshua Tree National Park, transforming various areas into film sets. Despite the harsh weather and the abundance of cactus and sand, the actors and crew had a wonderful experience and even got a nice tan. Activities available in Joshua Tree National Park include rock climbing, birdwatching, hiking, and camping. The cacti also assaulted several cast members!
Outside the national park is a location called Joshua Tree, which appears multiple times in the film’s background. In addition, the film crew visited Pioneertown, an ancient Western-themed town in San Bernardino County’s high desert. Pioneertown, founded in 1946 by actor Dick Curtis, was primarily utilized in Western films and television shows. It was the ideal desert-like setting for the picture. However, during their time in Pioneertown, the actors and crew were subjected to a windstorm, severe rain, and hail in the span of one hour!
Cast Information
“Couples Retreat Murder” features Jessica Morris, known from “One Life to Live,” as Becky. Jessica has been in many popular independent movies and TV shows, such as “Secret Lives of Housewives,” “A Deadly Threat to My Family,” “My Doctor’s Secret Life,” “Twisted Little Lies,” “Beacon Hill,” “Ladies of the Lake,” and “Sorority Forever.”
Playing her onscreen husband, Jim, is her real-life husband, Rib Hillis. Rib has also had a successful acting career and was a former model. He has shown his versatility in projects like “Port Charles,” “The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger,” “My Sister’s Serial Killer Boyfriend,” “Taos,” “The Wrong Man,” “Riley,” and “Powder Pup.”
The film’s supporting cast includes Natalie Daniels as Paulina, Corin Nemec as Phil, Alex Trumble as Alan Brant, Adam Huss as Joel Rollins, April Hale as Erica Persky, and Eddie Blackwell Williams as Steve Persky, and Kianna Vo as Jenny. Additionally, Jaime Brightbill and Glenn Miller play waiters in the movie.
“Couples Retreat Murder” combines thrilling mystery with beautiful but eerie settings in California. With a gripping plot and talented cast, this film takes viewers on a suspenseful journey through the challenges of marriage, unexpected twists, and dark secrets. Get ready to experience a thrilling adventure set in the stark and stunning landscapes of San Bernardino County.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Couples Retreat Murder
Q: Where was “Couples Retreat Murder” filmed?
A: “Couples Retreat Murder” was filmed entirely in San Bernardino County, California. The main locations used were Joshua Tree National Park and Pioneertown, a Western-themed town.
Q: What locations in San Bernardino County were used for filming?
A: The film was shot at Joshua Tree National Park, which is famed for its stunning desert landscapes and natural beauty. Some sequences were also shot in Pioneertown, a historic 1880s-themed town initially designed for Western films.
Q: When was “Couples Retreat Murder” filmed?
A: The filming of “Couples Retreat Murder” took place over a few weeks, starting in the second week of March 2024 and concluding by the end of the same month.
Q: How long did the filming of “Couples Retreat Murder” take?
A: The principal photography for “Couples Retreat Murder” lasted for approximately two weeks, from mid-March to the end of March 2024.
Q: What is the release date of “Couples Retreat Murder”?
A: “Couples Retreat Murder” was released on Lifetime on July 7, 2024.
