I'm spending March trying to catch up on some submissions that have crossed my desk at The Independent Critic that for a variety of reasons just haven't landed on my review pile. One such film is Justin Geldzahler's Gravitas Ventures release Glue Trap. A weird, creative little indie, Glue Trap takes a pretty familiar set-up - struggling couple heads off to secluded cabin to repair their relationship - and takes it in some interesting and entertaining places.
Geldzahler has pointed out that Glue Trap began its birthing process in the summer of 2020, a summer most of us are likely to never forget. It was a weird, uncomfortable summer during which even quite spaces became triggers. While Glue Trap may have its pandemic influences, rest assured this is no COVID-19 film. It taps into just how much our natural fears and anxieties were amplified in weird and unfamiliar ways. It's uncomfortable in ways that are familiar and ways that are difficult to express.
The film centers around Dan (Isaac Jay) and KJ (Brittany Bradford), a couple we meet at a dinner party where there's an obvious tension between the two. We're almost surprised to figure out that they've been together for awhile. We fairly quickly conclude that they may not be together that much longer.
A friend, Jenn (Caroline Hertz), suggests that they get away for a weekend at a family cabin.
They agree.
We all know this could go a myriad of directions.
The cabin is a gem, a beautiful setting with an abundance of light. There are glue traps all over the place to address a pesky mouse problem, however, that's a relatively minor issue for a couple dealing with much bigger issues.
If you're looking for symbolism here, by the way, you'll likely find it.
Dan and KJ are immensely believable as a struggling couple. They possess enough of a chemistry that we buy the idea that there was a strong spark there once, though that spark is more of a dim flicker now and being isolated in a cabin doesn't help much. Things get more complicated when Eliza (Gloria Bangiola) shows up unannounced. Jenn's sister, she's not exactly a welcome guest but what can they really do?
Let's just say that Eliza changes the energy entirely.
Glue Trap is definitely one of those films that starts off headed one direction before going into an entirely different direction, an approach that jars a bit but also makes quite a bit of sense as everything unfolds.
I found myself quite taken by Brittany Bradford's KJ, who possesses a sort of soulful exuberance coupled with a strong sense of being wounded. As Eliza enters the picture, beautifully portrayed by Bangiola, it's captivating to watch where Bradford takes KJ and how that changes the entire atmosphere and energy between each character.
Isaac Jay is also strong as Dan, whom I fairly quickly assigned as most of the problem. It's kind of amazing how we make these conclusions so easily and then watch as the character grows and shifts.
Geldzahler's storytelling feels honest and believable throughout. While there are undeniable tonal shifts here, Geldzahler makes sure they feel true to the characters and to the story being told here. Glue Trap definitely dips its cinematic toes into horror, though it's as much the internal horror of daily life as it is anything else.
Glue Trap is currently available via the usual streaming platforms courtesy of indie distributor Gravitas Ventures. With Geldzahler's unique, inspired storyrtelling and a strong ensemble cast, Glue Trap is a film to check out and a great opportunity to support an up-and-coming indie voice.
Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic
