Psychological Folk Horror "Rabbit Trap" Debuts at Sundance with Oscar Nominee Dev Patel
In the midst of a captivating lineup of horror offerings at this year's Sundance Film Festival, "Rabbit Trap" emerges as an unsettling addition to the growing genre of psychological folk horrors.
Premiering at midnight in Park City, the Brit director Bryn Chainey's feature debut boasts not only an Oscar nominee in Dev Patel but also the backing of Elijah Wood's SpectreVision ("Mandy," "Color Out of Space").
Set in 1976 rural Wales, "Rabbit Trap" centers on Daphne Davenport (Rosy McEwen), an experimental electronic musician who retreats to a remote farmhouse with her troubled husband and collaborator, Darcy (Patel). Seeking solace and inspiration in the isolated countryside, they hope to complete Daphne's latest album and heal after failed pregnancy attempts.
However, their tranquility is disrupted when Darcy captures a mystical sound in the eerie woodlands, unknowingly disturbing ancient spirits. This sound reignites Daphne's creativity but also attracts a strange teenage boy (Jade Croot), who becomes obsessed with the couple and attempts to draw them into the natural world.
For Chainey, "Rabbit Trap" was inspired by his lifelong fascination with Welsh folklore and his exploration of the psychological underpinnings of these stories.
Dev Patel's Unforgettable Performance
Enticing Dev Patel to star in his first feature was surprisingly effortless. After seeing the actor's vulnerability in "The Green Knight," Chainey knew he had found the perfect fit for the role of Darcy.
Despite the character's intense vulnerability, Patel's muscular physique, a result of his recent role in "Monkey Man," presents a slight distraction in certain scenes.
The Eerie Child Star and Electronic Music Tribute
Jade Croot's portrayal of the strange and unsettling boy is a crucial element in the film's ability to evoke chills. Her haunting audition convinced Chainey that she could bring an unprecedented depth to the role.
The lead characters' experimental electronic music, reminiscent of pioneers like Delia Derbyshire, serves as a connection to the supernatural forces at play. Chainey highlights the role of women in the early electronic music scene, who were often denied recognition in male-dominated spaces.
Location Challenges and the All-Important Fairy Circle
Despite the film's Welsh setting, shooting was forced to take place in North Yorkshire due to regulations prohibiting smoking, even with fake cigarettes. Lucy, the production designer, skillfully created the film's pivotal fairy circle of mushrooms, which became a beloved gift for the cast and crew.