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 young man gets separated from his group in the woods, he falls into a 10 ft deep pit full of spikes, impaling him through the leg, and leaving him trapped. He quickly learns afterwards that his fall was not an accident.

Simple proof that you do NOT need some convoluted plot in order to have a successful slasher film – stick your victim contingent out in the woods cut off from humanity, and add a mysterious, bad-ass hunter with an axe to grind and a seriously good aim with a bow & arrow and BOOM – you’ve got “Pitfall” from Director James Kondelik. First off, many thanks to the good souls at KLA Media Group for allowing me the early opportunity of checking this one out – it is greatly appreciated – now, onto the bloody show in the forest!

The film centers around a pair of siblings (Williams & Essoe) who have been at odds ever since a tragic accident befell them and their parents, and the (hopeful) remedy to heal the wounds is to regroup with some friends for a little camping excursion deep in the secluded woodlands – won’t be any problem out there, I’m sure! As they begin to settle in, they run afoul of a rather salty hunter (played 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 show. The simplification of the plot allows the characters to develop more in front of us, and allow the suffocating presence of the backwoods to take over.

The casting is strong with both Williams and Essoe conveying the grief/hostility angle to a tee, and complimented by the addition of Richard Harmon as the snarky sidebar along for the trip, the film gathers itself as a whole piece, and not just a slasher in the forest product, and that’s what worked for me. Also, the cinematography was on par, with the darker than dark nighttime angles and the lush greenery almost blanketing the entire view – this film was shot with precision, no doubt there. Also, can we provide a gold skull to Mr. Couture for his portrayal of the silent killer in the thickets? Granted, his days in the Octagon may be well behind him, but the man still has some unchecked aggression and I loved every savage second of it!

When the credits rolled, I was more than pleased at what my eyes had taken in, and aside from a few paced-out dialogue spurts, “Pitfall” resonated with me in such a way that it took me back to a simpler time…like the 80’s when unapologetic slasher films were the norm, and the horror brethren devoured them up like wild dogs on a carcass – make sure to check this one out when it sneaks into your territory – it truly is well worth a watch.

The film will release in theaters on May 29th, 2026.