Trapped Inn

What if the things we rely on to advance humanity-AI, space exploration, and cutting-edge technology-became the very tools of our undoing? That's the chilling question Leah Sturgis' Trapped Inn dares to ask.

The film may seem like a survival thriller on the surface, but dig deeper, and you'll find a commentary on the times we live in. It's no coincidence that the story unfolds during a pandemic, reflecting the collective trauma we've all faced. But Sturgis takes it a step further, weaving in themes of technological manipulation, societal control, and even space colonization.

Elon Musk, SpaceX, and the global AI race are clear inspirations here. There's a particularly unnerving subplot about AI becoming weaponized-a subtle nod to the debates around its unchecked growth. In one scene, a team member discovers an AI-driven device that malfunctions in ways that feel less accidental and more... intentional. It's the kind of chilling "what if" scenario that sticks with you.

What makes Trapped Inn so relevant is its ability to tie these grand ideas to a grounded, terrifying story. The hotel becomes a microcosm of a world on the brink of collapse-isolated, manipulated, and struggling to survive.

By the end, you're left questioning: Are we truly advancing, or are we building our own cages? Trapped Inn is a timely, thought-provoking thriller that's impossible to shake off, especially in an age where tech seems to touch every corner of our lives.

Seriously, who green-lit this abomination? It had more financing than I'd expect from a student film... so, someone put a bit of money into it.

It doesn't even rise to the level of mediocre... it plays like a teenaged boy's fantasy of what make a "great" film. A lot of shots doing nothing more than fluffing the film's time run. Hot girls, pretty boys, dancing and drinking... before the "plot" comes in. Well, what passes for a plot at least.

The acting is bad overall... absolutely horrific in parts. The only thing consistently worse is the story and the directing. Just when you think it cannot possibly get any worse, they throw in the "twist"! Again, like a teenaged boy thinking up the "perfect" twist to add.

I wish that was all. Unfortunately, the film keeps going after the plot twist... and manages to get even more ridiculous with the final shots.

I'm sure everyone that took part came on and rated it a 10. I've given one or two "spite" reviews of 1 star; this is the first that I've ever given because it was REALLY that bad!

Trapped Inn is a film that doesn't just rely on its plot and performances to create tension-it's the little things, like the music, camera work, and visual effects, that really enhance its atmosphere. While not all of these elements are groundbreaking, they certainly contribute to the film's unsettling mood.

The music in Trapped Inn is a quiet yet effective presence. The score isn't overly dramatic but works well with the tension, creating a sense of dread that builds without becoming overbearing. There are moments where the soundtrack feels almost haunting, underscoring the isolation and fear the characters experience, though there are times when the music feels a bit underused during crucial scenes, leaving some moments feeling more still than they should be.

The camera angles in the film are another subtle strength. There's an effective use of close-ups that intensify the emotional stakes, especially in the quieter, more introspective moments. The camera lingers long enough to capture the isolation of the characters but doesn't overdo it. However, there are times when the camera movements could have been a bit steadier-some of the more chaotic sequences come across as disorienting in a way that detracts from the tension.

When it comes to color grading, Trapped Inn does a solid job of using a muted, almost washed-out palette to evoke the bleakness of the characters' situation. At times, the film could have benefited from more contrast to visually highlight key moments, but the overall mood is well-suited to the narrative.

The visual effects, though not the star of the show, are decent. The supernatural elements, including the ghostly apparitions, are executed with just enough subtlety to be unsettling without overshadowing the human drama at the core of the story. A few scenes involving technology and AI could have used more polish, but they still serve their purpose without drawing too much attention.

Altogether, while Trapped Inn doesn't reinvent the wheel when it comes to technical aspects, it uses these elements effectively to amplify the film's sense of dread and uncertainty.

This is my very first time writing a review for a movie because I am SHOCKED that someone made this movie in 2024 and most importantly... spend money on it. The acting is horrible, the story is worse and the graphics... I could of created better on my laptop. If you like to enjoy your time watching movies, skip this one unless you are like me and will watch anything... usually give it 20 minutes and then turn it off. With Matt Rife in it... I kept giving it a chance. I yelled at the screen so many times and the last shot... oh my.... just forward to that if ou want to confirm this review. I have to go wash my eyes out.

Despite the criticism it's received, I couldn't help but find Leah Sturgis' Trapped Inn an intriguing, if flawed, exploration of our technological future. The film's sprawling themes may be messy at times, but they carry a chilling resonance that feels all too relevant in today's world.

At its heart, the movie is about survival-but not just from the immediate dangers faced by the stranded cycling team. It's about humanity's struggle to survive in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, pandemics, and the quest for space colonization. The eerie setting of an isolated hotel in the Andorran mountains becomes the perfect metaphor for our current state: beautiful on the surface, but teeming with unseen threats beneath.

One of the film's most compelling aspects is its commentary on AI and the unchecked growth of technology. From malfunctioning systems to cryptic messages that hint at something far more sinister, Trapped Inn forces viewers to confront the darker side of our technological progress. The nods to real-world tech propagandas add an extra layer of relevance, making the story feel like a warning as much as a thriller.

Yes, the movie isn't perfect. The narrative feels overstuffed at times, with elements like a sudden dance scene or a romantic subplot detracting from the tension. But even these quirks add to the film's surreal, haunting vibe.

In the end, Trapped Inn is more than just a survival thriller-it's a chilling glimpse at a future shaped by technology's rapid advance. It may not have all the answers, but it leaves you with plenty to think about-and maybe even a little scared of what's to come.