Flytrap was released on VOD yesterday. Check out our review.
Flytrap begins with a verbal narrative. It is here we meet Jimmy,
sitting on a park bench in a crowded city. The intro immediately sets up the
film with a poetic overture. It’s a classic introduction that doesn’t need to
work too hard setting up a film. It’s a nice platform that allows viewers to
absorb the story and get right into the film without being dragged through too
many needless details. Before the movie officially begins we have already met
the lead character, and are introduced to his inner thinking. It’s a smart
starting point that is very effective in grabbing a viewer's attention.
Flytrap plays out like an episode of The
Twilight Zone. While things may look normal, there is a hidden story that
is waiting to be uncovered. The film focuses on Jimmy, an English astronomer
who moves to the United States to take a job at a California university. After
arriving in the states, he meets Mary Ann, a strange woman who's takes an
immediate uncanny interest in him.
A good
portion of this film takes place inside a house. Even with the confined
setting, the story unfolds at a reasonable pace. To help establish a timeline,
Flytrap plays out in three chapters, each divided by day of the week
titles to help progress the story. The film maintains an often comedic suspense,
which at times can seem repetitive. Although given the theme and story of
captivity, it could be a deliberate approach by writer/ director Stephen David
Brooks. Flytrap doesn’t give too much away in the how and why
department. While it doesn't particularly hurt the film, a revaluation or two
could have really propelled this film to a higher level. It’s nice to leave an
audience with room for interpretation, but sometimes too much can make for a
story that seems unfinished. The film is often reminiscent of The Stepford
Wives. Mary Ann’s appearance, and her polite demeanor and posture all seem
modeled after the mid-century American housewife. It gives the story a nice
retro vibe, especially considering tunnel vision created by the dominant indoor
setting.
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| You sure are pretty. Let's change that. |
Flytrap
ends much like it begins, with a narrative that continues the ideals
established in the beginning. It works nicely, challenging viewers to question
and interpret the story. For a film that keeps many mysteries to itself, it’s a
smart end cap that helps pull everything together. Rather than leaving the film
entirely open, it does give a hint at a conclusion. With a talented cast you
can count on one hand, and a story that allows viewers to color outside the
metaphoric lines, Flytrap is a mysterious film that calls to question
the lasting effect of our popular culture. Be it our modern society, or past
generations, it is a reflection of our mannerisms, humor, and fashion as a
species. The rest is left to interpretation.
Share the horror. Share it good.
Share the horror. Share it good.
