Directed by
Joel Schumacher
Made by
Millennium Entertainment
Discover the intricate plot of Trespass (2011). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Kyle Miller, portrayed by Nicolas Cage, is a diamond broker on a tense drive along a winding country road as he prepares for a crucial deal. Upon arriving at his expansive, gated waterfront home, he momentarily pauses to pick up a gold Zippo lighter by the pool before heading into the kitchen, where tensions rise between his wife, Nicole Kidman, and their teenage daughter, Avery (played by Liana Liberato). Their disagreement centers around a party Avery desperately wants to attend, but her parents put their foot down, leading to disappointment, especially as Sarah had hoped for a peaceful family dinner.
Kyle retrieves an envelope from a secure wall safe since he plans to meet a buyer later that day. While he prepares, Sarah brings food upstairs for their daughter, only to find their family dinner plans derailed. As they share a moment, Avery sneakily escapes over the estate fence to meet a waiting friend. Kyle, eager for romance, shows Sarah the lighter, although his business obligations pull him away before they can connect.
Suddenly, the doorbell rings, revealing police at the gate, investigating a string of neighborhood burglaries, which leads Kyle to discreetly buzz them in. However, when he turns his attention back to the house, Sarah realizes Avery is gone just as masked intruders invade their home. In a terrifying confrontation, the gang holds Sarah at gunpoint as Kyle and Sarah are forced to the ground. The intruders, keenly aware of the Miller family’s routine and secrets, make it clear they are entirely in control.
As chaos unfolds, Avery finds herself amidst a house party, blissfully unaware of the nightmare befalling her parents. The gang leader, Elias (played by Ben Mendelsohn), along with his crew, is desperate for the alarm system code, which Sarah reluctantly reveals. Meanwhile, at the party, a boy tries to coax Avery into a world of thrills, but she wisely calls a taxi and heads back home, only to stumble into dire straits as she witnesses her family’s struggle.
The tension escalates as Kyle refuses to open the wall safe, explaining that diamonds are traceable due to their micro laser codes, much to the gang’s chagrin. While the thieves demand answers, the atmosphere tightens with fear, particularly for Sarah, who is terrified for Avery’s safety. As threats ramp up, the intruders’ desperation grows— especially Ty (Dash Mihok) who becomes increasingly aggressive and insists on drastic measures.
With emotions running high, Elias pulls out a syringe containing a medical paralysis drug, raising the stakes even further. Through frantic attempts to stall the intruders and protect his family, Kyle explains his precarious financial situation, only to realize the depth of their predicament. As the intruders’ patience dwindles and their desperation peaks, Jonah (Cam Gigandet) tries to persuade Kyle to relinquish the diamonds instead of their lives.
As the night spirals into madness, an unexpected ally emerges. Tensions erupt into violence as allegiances shift among the intended burglars, and the very crew threatening the Millers becomes embroiled in their chaotic past. The stakes amplify as Kyle finds himself fighting for his family, leading to a showdown that results in shocking betrayals and explosive revelations.
In an action-packed climactic sequence, the Millers bear the brunt of the intruders’ unraveling attempts at control. A desperate escape plan ignites the chaos even further, culminating in a blaze that consumes the home. As the fire rages, the Millers finally find themselves free from the grip of terror. In the aftermath, they embrace one another on the lawn, grateful to be alive despite the catastrophic events that unfolded within their once-safe walls.
Track the key events of Trespass (2011) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Kyle's Tense Drive
Kyle Miller, a diamond broker, drives along a winding country road while mentally preparing for a crucial deal. The pressure of his work hangs over him as he navigates the scenic but tense route.
Family Dinner Disagreement
Upon arriving home, Kyle finds tensions brewing between his wife, Sarah, and their teenage daughter, Avery. Their disagreement revolves around Avery's desire to attend a party, which is met with firm disapproval from her parents.
Preparing for the Deal
Kyle retrieves an envelope from a secure wall safe in preparation for his meeting with a buyer later that day. This moment reflects his focus on the deal despite the family's escalating tensions.
Avery Sneaks Away
While her parents are distracted, Avery cleverly escapes over the estate fence to meet a waiting friend. This act further complicates the family dynamic and sets the stage for impending chaos.
Police Visit
Kyle answers the doorbell to find police investigating a series of neighborhood burglaries. With concerns about security, he discreetly lets them in, although this moment of safety is fleeting.
Intruders Invade
Just as the police leave, masked intruders break into the Miller home, holding Sarah and Kyle at gunpoint. The criminals demonstrate their knowledge of the family's routine and immediately take control of the situation.
Avery at the Party
While the chaos unfolds back home, Avery enjoys a house party oblivious to her parents' plight. Her experience is a stark contrast to the terror gripping her family.
Demand for the Alarm Code
The gang leaders demand the alarm system code from Sarah, and despite the danger, she reluctantly reveals the information. This moment signifies the tension and desperation of the intruders.
Kyle's Refusal
Kyle steadfastly refuses to open the wall safe holding his diamonds, explaining the traceability of his valuables. This refusal raises the stakes and heightens the tension in the room.
The Threat Escalates
As the intruders express their frustration, Kyle realizes the grave danger his family is in. The atmosphere thickens with fear, especially for Sarah, who worries for Avery's safety.
Desperate Measures
The gang leader, Elias, introduces a syringe filled with a paralysis drug to intimidate Kyle further. His desperation is palpable as tensions rise, underscoring the life-threatening situation.
Avery's Return
Avery returns home just in time to stumble upon the horrifying scene of her family in peril. Her realization of the danger unfolds a new layer of urgency in the already chaotic situation.
Showdown Begins
With the night spiraling out of control, Kyle fights back against the intruders in an effort to protect his family. Chaos erupts as alliances shift among the intruders, leading to violence.
Home in Flames
In a desperate escape attempt, a fire breaks out, engulfing the home in flames. This catastrophic event forces the Millers to confront their fears and strive for survival amidst the devastation.
Aftermath and Reunion
Once free from the terror that plagued them, the Millers embrace on the lawn, overwhelmed with gratitude for each other’s safety. The aftermath leaves them shaken but thankful to be alive after the harrowing ordeal.
Meet the characters that bring Trespass (2011) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Kyle Miller
Kyle Miller, a diamond broker, starts as a family man but quickly becomes a desperate protector when his home is invaded. His reluctance to share the safe's code reveals both his protective instincts and his precarious financial position, demonstrating his struggle between love for his family and the challenges of his profession.
Sarah Miller
Sarah Miller is the supportive wife caught in the crossfire of an unexpected home invasion. Her dual role as a loving mother and a hostage reveals her strength and vulnerability, showcasing the emotional strain of fearing for her child's life while trying to maintain control in a chaotic situation.
Avery Miller
Avery Miller is the teenage daughter whose desire for independence leads her into danger when the burglary unfolds. Her initial unawareness and later involvement add layers of tension as she must navigate her youthful impulses alongside the life-threatening reality her parents face.
Elias
Elias is the gang leader whose desperation dictates the film's escalating tension. His ruthless pursuit for the safe's code and willingness to resort to violence highlight the psychological warfare he uses against the Miller family, making him a primary antagonist in the narrative.
Uncover the settings of Trespass (2011), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The events unfold in present-day, as evidenced by the characters' behaviors and modern societal issues such as family dynamics and crime. The proximity of neighborhood burglaries indicates ongoing societal concerns but does not reference a distinct time period beyond the contemporary setting.
Location
expansive waterfront home, country road
The movie primarily takes place in an expansive waterfront home that signifies wealth and safety, now turned into a zone of terror. The winding country road leading to their home reflects a seemingly peaceful rural life, contrasting with the chaos that soon erupts inside. This setting serves as a backdrop for the family's confrontation with danger.
Explore the core themes of Trespass (2011). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Family Crisis
The theme of family crisis is central to the movie as the Millers face an outright violation of their home and safety. Tensions arise not only from external threats but also from internal family discord, highlighting the fragility of familial bonds in distressing circumstances. The stakes intensify as survival instincts clash with the desire to protect loved ones.
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Greed
Greed manifests through the actions of the intruders, who are driven to threaten a family due to their desire for wealth in the form of diamonds. This theme showcases how obsession with material gain can lead to violence and chaos, turning individuals against those who appear to have what they want. The unfolding chaos serves to reflect the destructive nature of greed.
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