‘The Mouse Trap’ (2024) Movie Review - A Birthday Gone Wrong

The Mouse Trap is an atypical horror where you are excited to find out who the murderer is till the very end. It’s Alex’s 21st birthday, and she’s working a late shift at the bustling amusement arcade where she’s employed. As the clock ticks towards midnight, her friends, determined to make her special day memorable, plan a surprise party for her. They arrange decorations, gather her favorite treats, and get ready to celebrate as soon as her shift ends.

However, their plans take a chilling turn when a masked killer, dressed in a grotesque Mickey Mouse costume, infiltrates the arcade. With a sinister twist, this murderer decides to turn Alex’s birthday into a deadly game. The once vibrant arcade, filled with the sounds of laughter and games, now echoes with the tension of a deadly cat-and-mouse chase. Each friend must confront their fears and rely on their wits and bravery as they navigate the park’s various rides and attractions, now turned into a perilous battleground. The killer’s presence adds a chilling twist to every corner and darkened hallway, making every step fraught with danger. With the killer’s motives remaining shrouded in mystery, the friends must work together to uncover clues and devise a plan to escape. As the hours tick by and the threat escalates, alliances form and break under pressure, and each friend must face their own inner demons while confronting the external threat. In a high-stakes game of survival, the friends must use every resource at their disposal to outsmart the killer and ensure that Alex’s birthday doesn’t become a nightmarish. But the question that lingers over their frantic escape is whether they will survive the night. As the friends navigate the darkened and increasingly treacherous amusement park, the true motive behind the killer’s twisted game remains elusive. Why has this masked assailant chosen them as prey, and what drives this deranged individual to turn Alex’s birthday into a night of terror?

“The Mousetrap” captivates its audience from the very beginning and maintains its grip right through to the final curtain. With masterful storytelling, it weaves a web of suspense that draws viewers into its intricate plot. The play's skillful pacing and atmosphere build a sense of mounting tension, ensuring that the audience remains on the edge of their seats.
As the story unfolds, the movie delivers unexpected twists and turns that challenge assumptions and keep the audience guessing. Each revelation is carefully crafted to surprise and intrigue, making every moment of the narrative both compelling and unpredictable. The combination of character development and the cleverly constructed mystery ensures that the suspense builds continually, leading to a gripping and satisfying conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.

The acting in The Mousetrap significantly amplifies the suspense, drawing the audience deeper into the unfolding drama. Sophie McIntosh’s portrayal of Alex is particularly standout, capturing the essence of her character with remarkable depth. Her performance is a masterclass in conveying fear and vulnerability; every flicker of apprehension and every tense moment is etched vividly across her face. Other cast too shines. What stands out the most is the visual effects that the movie has.

Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times