Movie Review: ‘Rabbit Trap’

Patel stars with Rosy McEwen in the 1970s-set story of musicians moving to the country find to discover a unique sound –– and get more than they expected.

Dev Patel in 'Rabbit Trap'. Photo: Magnet Releasing.

In theaters on September 12th is ‘Rabbit Trap’, a horror mystery that represents the feature directorial debut writer/director Bryn Chainey.

Dev Patel ('Monkey Man') stars alongside Rosy McEwen ('Blue Jean') in the story of married musicians looking to find a different sound for their work, but come up against a nightmarish folk tradition and supernatural experiences. The cast also includes Jade Croot (‘The Witcher’).

Initial Thoughts

(L to R): Jade Croot and Daisy McEwen in 'Rabbit Trap'. Photo: Magnet Releasing.

(L to R): Jade Croot and Rosy McEwen in 'Rabbit Trap'. Photo: Magnet Releasing.

There is a particular branch of British horror that has its roots deep in folk tradition and the clash between outsiders and locals, with a vein of the supernatural running beneath it all. The likes of Ben Wheatley and Robin Hardy have explored the topic, and now here comes filmmaker Bryn Chainey.

Script and Direction

Dev Patel in 'Rabbit Trap'. Photo: Magnet Releasing.

Chainey, writing and directing here, certainly knows how to conjure mood using visuals and, particularly sound. He brings an intensity to the look and feel of the movie, aided by solid work from Patel and McEwen, but does fall down a little in pacing.

There is plenty to admire here, but while the film definitely has its own unique style, the storytelling tends to get lost and the characters aren’t always given the room to develop.

Cast and Performances

Jade Croot in 'Rabbit Trap'. Photo: Magnet Releasing.

‘Rabbit Trap’ is really a three-hander between Patel, McEwen and Jade Croot, who plays a mysterious child who shows up hunting rabbits.

The main pair are convincing when it comes to their connection (and their reactions to the increasingly strange circumstances around them), but they can’t quite keep the film from feeling like it was a good idea that doesn’t always work.

Final Thoughts

Daisy McEwen in 'Rabbit Trap'. Photo: Magnet Releasing.

Rosy McEwen in 'Rabbit Trap'. Photo: Magnet Releasing.

The movie has style and mood to spare, but ‘Rabbit Trap’ lets itself sink into both at the expense of a truly convincing narrative. While Patel, McEwen and Croot do good work, it gets lost in the noise around them.

It doesn’t help that the central theme (which gives the movie its title) is drummed into us at several points with all the subtlety of a hammer.

‘Rabbit Trap’ receives 65 out of 100.

What’s the story of ‘Rabbit Trap’?

When a musician and her husband move to a remote house in Wales, the music they make disturbs local ancient folk magic, bringing a nameless child to their door who is intent on infiltrating their lives.