Movie Review: Pitfall | HNN

Pitfall Movie Review by Matt Boiselle

Pitfall – directed by James Kondelik, and written by Victor Rose and James Kondelik, and starring Marshall Williams, Alexandra Essoe and Richard Harmon

Synopsis: After a younger man will get separated from his group within the woods, he falls into a ten ft deep pit stuffed with spikes, impaling him via the leg, and leaving him trapped. He rapidly learns afterwards that his fall was not an accident.

Simple proof that you just do NOT want some convoluted plot so as to have a profitable slasher movie – stick your sufferer contingent out within the woods lower off from humanity, and add a mysterious, bad-ass hunter with an axe to grind and a significantly good goal with a bow & arrow and BOOM – you’ve acquired “Pitfall” from Director James Kondelik. First off, many due to the nice souls at KLA Media Group for permitting me the early alternative of checking this one out – it’s enormously appreciated – now, onto the bloody present within the forest!

The movie facilities round a pair of siblings (Williams & Essoe) who’ve been at odds ever since a tragic accident befell them and their dad and mom, and the (hopeful) treatment to heal the injuries is to regroup with some pals for just a little tenting tour deep within the secluded woodlands – received’t be any downside on the market, I’m certain! As they start to settle in, they run afoul of a somewhat salty hunter (performed by MMA legend Randy Couture) who hasn’t the time nor the place to play nice-nice with the city-folk, and BOY, does it present. The simplification of the plot permits the characters to develop extra in entrance of us, and permit the suffocating presence of the backwoods to take over.

The casting is robust with each Williams and Essoe conveying the grief/hostility angle to a tee, and complimented by the addition of Richard Harmon because the snarky sidebar alongside for the journey, the movie gathers itself as an entire piece, and never only a slasher within the forest product, and that’s what labored for me. Also, the cinematography was on par, with the darker than darkish nighttime angles and the luxurious greenery virtually blanketing the complete view – this movie was shot with precision, little question there. Also, can we offer a gold cranium to Mr. Couture for his portrayal of the silent killer within the thickets? Granted, his days within the Octagon could also be properly behind him, however the man nonetheless has some unchecked aggression and I liked each savage second of it!

When the credit rolled, I used to be greater than happy at what my eyes had taken in, and apart from just a few paced-out dialogue spurts, “Pitfall” resonated with me in such a method that it took me again to an easier time…just like the 80’s when unapologetic slasher movies had been the norm, and the horror brethren devoured them up like wild canine on a carcass – ensure that to test this one out when it sneaks into your territory – it really is properly value a watch.

The movie will launch in theaters on May twenty ninth, 2026.