By Juan Markos
Hollyshorts Nominated for Top Live Action Finalist, Best Drama
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 7/31/2025 – Trapped is a film that revolves around more than just rat traps; it symbolizes the traps of life and the experience of someone caught in a systematically oppressive situation. The story introduces us to Juaquin, played by Javier Molina, a janitor at what seems to be a prestigious private school. He works the night shift, and at one point, he is on the phone with his baby mama while his son accompanies him, riding around on a janitorial cart.
As Juaquin prepares to leave for the night, he hears something unusual. Initially, it seems like the film might delve into a haunted school scenario, but he soon discovers a group of teenage students drinking in the gym while setting up rat traps as part of a senior prank. When Juaquin tells them to leave, they refuse to budge. One of the students belittles him, even offering him money and compelling him to participate in their prank. In frustration, Juaquin locks them in the gym before finally leaving with his son.
However, his night takes a turn when he receives a call on the walkie-talkie from his boss, asking about the situation in the gym, as one of the boys has called for help. It’s important to note that Juaquin locked them in the gym with the lights off, which is quite tense. After being humiliated by the students, he is locked in the gym himself, and he finds himself searching for his keys among the very traps he had set for them. This is a metaphor for his situation.
Juaquin is not only in danger for himself, but he also needs to protect his child, who he has been hiding while working. Ultimately, he ends up cleaning up the traps he helped set, all while realizing he is caught in a trap of his own, a reflection of societal oppression. He faces his oppressors daily, working as a janitor in a school attended by wealthy kids. It’s a deeply sad situation, highlighting the themes of class struggle.
Although the film doesn’t delve deeply into Juaquin’s relationship with his child’s mother, the circumstances are evident. It raises questions about her absence and why she isn’t watching their son or concerned about him working late in a job that Juaquin desperately needs to support them.
Trapped, written and directed by David Cutler-Kreutz and Sam Cutler-Kreutz, will screen at this year’s Hollyshorts Festival in Los Angeles. For tickets or more information, please visit Hollyshorts.com
