GLUE TRAP – A Review by Jenn Rohm
The first feature film written and directed by Justin Geldzahler Glue Trap is making the rounds in film festivals this year. While I do not typically watch films classified as horror, I did watch this one. I found it to be more of a slow-built thriller with just a touch of the gore that puts it in that genre.
With it being well over 100° in Texas, I felt a very welcome fall chill from the cinematography captured by Christopher Fox and editing by Norris Guncheon. It was tempting to pause in a few places just to enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the tranquility of being far removed from the rest of the world. All I was missing was my flannel shirt, a s’more, and some hot cocoa.
KJ (Brittany Bradford) and Dan (Issac Jay) have been in a relationship for a while. While spending an evening with their friends Jenn Ramsay (Caroline Hertz) and Jenn Shelton (Kasey Marr) they offer the use of a remote family cabin. (Is a remote cabin still a trope or has it become cliché?) KJ and Dan expect to take time to focus on each other. Upon arrival, a mouse stuck to a glue trap is discovered and the debate of how to handle the mouse supports how differently KJ and Dan have come to see the world. While KJ is out on a hike Dan discovers a stranger on the porch. Eliza (Gloria Bangiola) has come to visit her family cabin. As a Jenn hearing the question “Which Jenn?” did make me giggle. This is where the twists and turns begin.
Bradford’s portrayal of a strong, independent woman, who never wants to show her vulnerable side is on point. I connected with her feeling disrespected when boundaries were crossed and the questioning of what is going on here when being gaslit.
Jay brings us a modern not quite hipster guy with “the clothes and the hair”. He wants to be strong for his girlfriend, yet he is the more sensitive of the two. Trying to play nice with both females in the cabin he becomes a bit passive-aggressive and misses a few tip-offs from Eliza.
Bangiola is bubbly and happy…or is she really? This type of character requires a strong ability to balance just right. The balance was here, and it was one of the best parts of the film.
Kudos to the cast and crew on this project. It appears they were all dedicated to making Geldzahler’s first feature film one to watch.
Director: Justin Geldzahler
Written By: Justin Geldzahler
Cast: Brittany Bradford, Isaac Jay, Gloria Bangiola
MPAA Rating: Not yet rated.
Genres: Comedy Horror
Selig Rating: 3 stars
Runtime: 1h 28m
Release Date: June 29, 2023
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.
