Honeytrap (2015)
Set in Brixton and inspired by true events, HONEYTRAP is writer/director Rebecca Johnson’s debut feature film. It tells the story of 15-year-old Layla, whose desperate need for love and acceptance leads her to take part in a tragic act of violence. Tense, shocking and incredibly moving, HONEYTRAP is a true tour de force, bursting with energy and authenticity. The film stars Jessica Sula ("Panic” on Amazon Prime; SPLIT directed by M. Night Shyamalan), Lucien Laviscount (Netflix’s “Emily in Paris”), Ntonga Mwanza (Leave to Remain) and Naomi Ryan (Freeform's "Guilt").
HONEYTRAP premiered at the BFI London Film Festival in 2014 where Rebecca was nominated for the ‘Best British Newcomer’ Award. It had its North American premiere at SXSW Film Festival in 2015 where it was nominated for the Audience Award. Other festival premieres included Montreal (Canada) and Cairo (Middle East). Upon its release in UK cinemas, The Guardian’s chief film critic Peter Bradshaw gave HONEYTRAP a 4 star review, noting its “urgency, power and punch” and singling it out as his “Film to Watch This Week”.
HONEYTRAP was released in US cinemas in September 2016 by ARRAY NOW, Ava du Vernay's distribution company, and on Netflix.
Critical Acclaim:
**** Sula is outstanding...quietly excellent...this raw, powerful movie...paints a picture of abuse, machismo and paranoia. The Guardian
**** A rare, British urban drama...that’s acted out with such authenticity, insight and understanding. Total Film
[Honeytrap] is graced with a degree of sensitivity in writing and performance, and comes up fresh...Johnson has definite promise… Sight & Sound
