Written, produced, and directed by Justin Geldzahler in his feature debut, Glue Trap was inspired by personal experiences during the pandemic. Terrified by the events unfolding around him, he wrote a film about his deepest fears, and Glue Trap was the result.
Released digitally and to Cable VOD through Gravitas Ventures on December 17, 2024, the film follows couple KJ (Brittany Bradford: The Same Storm 2021, Julia series) and Dan (Issac Jay: Flock of Four 2017, Head Count 2018). They have not been getting on as well recently, though neither of them has outwardly admitted so. So they decide to take up a friend’s offer to spend the weekend at their family’s remote cabin, hoping that it will reignite their relationship. However, upon arrival, they discover a mouse stuck to a glue trap, and the ensuing debate over what to do about it only magnifies how different the two are. Later, when an unexpected guest arrives at the cabin, KJ and Dan have very different ideas about how to deal with their unwanted visitor.
Glue Trap is an interesting film that cannot easily be categorized into any one genre. It certainly has elements of horror and a one-location Thriller, but simultaneously, it is a Dark Comedy and a relationship drama. While this might sound tonally confusing, it is arguably one of Glue Trap’s biggest strengths. The audience can never be entirely sure which way the story is going, and its direction is definitely unexpected, making it really fun to watch.
Another one of the film’s greatest strengths is its characters. KJ and Dan are really relatable as both a couple and as individuals. It is easy for the audience to root for them and want them to succeed.
Where the film is less successful is in its denouement. Whilst the first two acts are intriguing, and the audience does not know exactly what is coming, it is not anywhere near as engaging once it becomes clear what direction the film is heading. Glue Trap is great when it is exploring a flailing relationship and less great when it goes off-piste. The third act is also when the film is at its most mean-spirited, and as such, it will not be to everyone’s taste.
Overall, this is a strong debut from Justin Geldzahler, only let down by a slightly more stagnant third act. It will be really interesting to see what Geldzahler has in store for his sophomore feature. Until then, Cryptic Rock gives Glue Trap 3 out of 5 stars.
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