Opening in theaters on this Friday Traffik, a thriller based on real-life events, starring Paula Patton and Omar Epps, exposes the worldwide sex trafficking epidemic and how anyone can fall victim anytime, anywhere.
Set in Sacramento, Brea (Paula Patton) and John (Omar Epps) set off for a romantic birthday getaway after Brea, a local investigative reporter has an altercation at work putting her job in jeopardy. Stopping for gas in route to a remote, hilltop destination, the duo finds themselves harassed by a band of biker thugs, but not for the reasons they suspect.
Unaware of what’s happening outside, Brea’s reporter instincts are set off as she has a chance bathroom meeting with a troubled young lady. Managing to escape a near-fatal altercation with the biker gang, the duo is surprised at the vacation home by uninvited friends Darren (Laz Alonso) and Malia (Roselyn Sanchez), further making it unclear who’s the bad guys, who’s the good guys and who’s going to make it out alive.
At first glance, Traffik seems like it’s heading down the ‘Get Out’ rabbit hole but quickly establishes something bigger and more frightening at play. Inspired by real-life events, Traffik shines the light on local level self-trafficking making it clear anyone can become a victim at any time.
BSO GRADE: B –
Ahead of the film’s release, BSO sat down with film stars Paula Patton, Omar Epps, Laz Alonso and Roselyn Sanchez to discuss the film, sex-trafficking and why this story needs to be told. For interviews, flip the pages.