The Wasteland Reviewer

Trap House (2025) Written Review

What is the most dangerous force that can take down the drug cartels out of Mexico? A group of rambunctious teens, of course! For all the films that come out in a single calendar year, few have such an absurd premise as Trap House. The film might start with some heart and tragedy, but it soon gives way to a bunch of teens who steal evidence from their parents at work to get a leg up on stealing money from the cartels. They certainly have good reason and motivation (getting their friend money after their dad is killed) but this idea is so bonkers that it is hard to believe any of these minors can take down the cartels. That is the crux of the tale being brought to life by this crew of young folks. 

Does Trap House deliver an engaging and enthralling thriller with some young protagonists along the way? The film does not boast the most unique or flashiest of visuals palettes, but it is one that is put together just fine. There are a few set pieces that certainly are meant to be anchored down with the action that Michael Dowse crafts. In a state of film full of action flicks, Trap House highlights a few set pieces but nothing too fancy or interesting. There are a few fleeting moments of intensity, especially where the young folks are beaten a little too hard during one of their heists. This is a solid action thriller that just doesn’t deliver enough interesting action to truly stand out. The overall technical aspects are serviceable with the film boasting a sharp enough visual palette without enough unique elements. For a film that is just about 100 minutes, there unfortunately are some stretches where the film just lacks propulsive energy to move forward. Dowse is not known as a great filmmaker, and this effort reinforces that fact.

 Does Trap House offer up an interesting and compelling enough story to engage the audience? The biggest challenge of the film is certainly the outlandish plot. This is hard to buy when these kids have success against the cartels. If you can get past this ridiculous plot, you can find some solidly entertaining elements with a solid heart. If you can’t, it will be hard to connect much to this absurd story. Tonally, Trap House is a bit over the place as there is a serious weight from the opening tragedy that sets the plot in motion but then there are more fun and whimsical presentations of these young crew’s shenanigans. But then the film quickly spirals into some serious elements. There are some wild twists and turns thrown in along the way that completely flips the film on end. These twists are shocking if not outlandish. You cannot take too much of this film seriously, which can be frustrating, as there are serious ideas that the film explores. The war on drugs, government workers being screwed over by their own government, and challenges of parenthood all are present but get lost a bit in this ridiculous plot. The story is filled with illogical leaps, cliches, and even a stinger ending setting up an inevitable sequel (love that sequel-baiting for sure). 

Does the cast offer up much to elevate this script? Dave Bautista delivers a rock-solid performance that shines when he is showing love for his son and struggling with his feelings (which are both key elements of his character). Bobby Cannavale does his thing well, portraying a sarcastic dad in the DEA and best friend to Bautista. Kate del Castillo is mysterious and intense as one of the cartel leaders and Tony Dalton gets a few scenes to chew it up as the leader of the cartel. The younger cast is not the most memorable outside of a couple of performances. Sophia Lillis is so talented (which she has shown for years) and she stands out the most out of this young group of teens who take on the cartels. Blu del Barrio has a smaller role, but they stand out with some good emotion. Jack Champion is saddled with being the lead of this crew and his performance is serviceable enough for the workings of the film.

Does Trap House offer up an interesting and entertaining new action/thriller? Trap House has some strong potential with its themes that focus on father/son dynamics as well as the unfortunate treatment of fallen heroes in the United States. Unfortunately, the film does not explore them enough and instead focuses more on this outlandish and unbelievable plot. There are some solid twists that shake things up but not enough to make this ridiculous story click.