Solitude comes in heavy forms. Especially when it has a forest around it with wind mending with sounds and branches. There is always that tone where global warming is taking an effect. Especially for the humans roaming around their environment. From writer and director Bryn Chainey, Rabbit Trap is one that is experimental and daring but also subtle. A lot of it has to do with thinking mentally while also toying with curiosity. Capturing sound effects to create a project does not come easy. But even the cinematography or the setting does not do much justice. However, the tones of direction and subtle atmosphere weaved my brain back and forth that left me with intrigue. Boredom in one moment but then spellbinding mesmerizing modes throughout the rest. Rabbit Trap is formulaic with gradual inclines.

The film’s main characters are Darcy and Daphne Davenport, and they are played by Dev Patel and Rosy McEwan. The year is 1976. They are a couple from the United Kingdom living in a cottage around the area of Wales to capture sound effects for their next project. Much of their days are them capturing audio and putting together pieces of sounds to create realistic effects to create something aesthetic. However, there are weird forms of behavior and patterns. The sounds they record bring in some unexpected moments where their own behaviors do not seem to match up. A lot of tension blurs the lines. And when a boy comes around, things get strange. The Child is played by Jade Croot.

It is like a character study of experimentation. What do Darcy and Daphne do bring benefits to their life? Is there a language out there telling them otherwise? Is the Child a burden? The setting of the island and the outdoors begin to create detrimental tones of illusions. So much is artistic and wondrous. At the same time, there are moments of flatness that finds its binds to climb.

There is a line of confusion that travels vaguely back and forth. As Darcy and Daphne have their moments as a couple their challenges come around after moments of working on their pieces for their project. The sound effects begin to elevate their anger. The lingering spell of sensation is within the depths of the technicality of 1970s technology. Way before the days of technology or high-end recording devices that are used presently. Also, a time where limitations are more crucial.

The conflict is two-sided. Audio causing conflict, and The Child being in the center between Darcy and Daphne. The film still maintains its writing to be a halting blur. All around it though, its artistic vibe flows smoothly. The executing side though, just keeps missing its slam dunks moments to be surreal. Overall, I felt this was one of those films that had inspiration from the forestry settings. Deep down though, very flawed, and a dragging conflict that was only too blurry to comprehend, it is still artistic with a creative sense and one that is worth visiting. But it is not amazing. Two out of four stars for Rabbit Trap.