"Through your eyes, you venture into the world; through your ears, the world infiltrates your soul..." Magnolia Pictures has unveiled the first official trailer for the enigmatic folk horror flick, "Rabbit Trap," a film meticulously crafted amidst the tranquil yet eerie English countryside. Its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival garnered a spectrum of reviews—laudatory yet not quite etched among the year's most astonishments. This captivating narrative weaves tales of fairy circles, nature's concealed wisdom, and enigmatic whispers that resonate deep within.
Daphne and Darcy Davenport, a musician couple, relocate from bustling London to a secluded cottage in rural Wales, seeking solitude to finalize their latest album. By sheer chance, they capture an otherworldly sound, one unprecedented in human auditory history, gradually unraveling their grasp on reality. The arrival of a peculiar youth in their vicinity escalates the surrealism, plunging them into a hallucinogenic odyssey through the woods and beyond.
Dev Patel and Rosy McEwen breathe life into Darcy and Daphne, while Jade Croot haunts the screen as the eerily enigmatic child. Having witnessed its world premiere at Sundance, I found the film's ambiance, atmosphere, and cinematography mesmerizing, yet its descent into the bizarre was so abrupt and bewildering that it left me somewhat disappointed. Nevertheless, I admired its uniqueness and chilling allure—a novel horror thriller that delves into the very essence of nature.
In search of fresh inspiration and a clean slate, Daphne (Rosy McEwan) and Darcy (Dev Patel), musicians by heart, relocate to the serene Welsh countryside to conclude their next musical endeavor. While gathering audio samples, Darcy unwittingly records an enigmatic sound unknown to mankind. This discovery ignites Daphne's creative spark, but as her melodies merge with the surroundings, ancient, malevolent woodland forces are roused from their slumber. A stranger soon knocks on their door, a peculiar child who initially aids them in navigating their new surroundings. However, Darcy's suspicion grows, fueled by the child's obsessive demeanor. Jealousy and paranoia seep into their makeshift family, blurring the lines between reality and myth.
Written and directed by British-Australian filmmaker Bryn Chainey in his feature debut following a slew of acclaimed shorts, "Rabbit Trap" is produced by an esteemed ensemble including Elijah Wood, Daniel Noah, Lawrence Inglee, Elisa Lleras, Alex Ashworth, and Sean Marley. Having premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, Magnolia Pictures will introduce Chainey's "Rabbit Trap" to select US theaters beginning September 12th, 2025. Are you intrigued to delve deeper into this enigmatic tale?
