Monday, September 6, 2021

Trace (2015)

 A bunch of twenty somethings record themselves summoning a demon in hopes of getting an EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon).  Some of them think they hear something on the recording, but the others aren't sure. Jerk Jarek's girlfriend gets mad at him so he stays at Nicks for the night. When Nick gets up the next morning, Jarek is dead.

One thing I find annoying is the plot contrivance where conflict occurs because one character doesn’t tell another important information.  In this case, the police ask Nick if he and Jarek had a fight, or if Jarek wanted to leave.  Nick asks if he's being accused of something and gets defensive.  He never says Jarek had a fight with his girlfriend and slept on the couch because he was too drunk to drive, which would explain the situation easily.

Nick becomes obsessed with the recording and determines that there is a voice speaking. The voice lists everyone's name in the order of their death. Jarek was first on the list so Nick is understandably freaked out.  He wants to tell the police about this but Duffy says it's incriminating evidence linking them to Jarek's death.  Nick and the audience are confused. 

As the deaths mount, Duffy seems unconcerned and tells Nick things become real because you choose to believe it.  

I spent half the movie trying to figure out Jarek's name. Is it Jared? Jerrick? Jarrett? Derrick? I never figured it out and had to look at the credits.

This movie has an ending that will tick you off.

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