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A Trip to Jamaica (2017) movie poster

Timeline

A Trip to Jamaica (2017) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2017 · 98 mins · English
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Directed by
Robert Peters
Starring
Eric Roberts, Funke Akindele, Dan Davies, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Ayo Makun

A newly engaged couple travels to Jamaica to stay with relatives, experiencing culture shock and adjusting to life amongst affluent locals. As they navigate this unfamiliar environment, they uncover secrets about their hosts, which ultimately threaten to shatter their engagement and lead to a painful separation.

On this page (5)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (14)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Every angle
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14 events in order · contains spoilers

A Trip to Jamaica Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of A Trip to Jamaica (2017) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Engagement proposal during One Lagos Fiesta

    Akpos uses a live telecast during the One Lagos Fiesta to propose to Bola. Bola accepts the proposal and they decide to travel overseas for a pre-wedding honeymoon. The moment sets the stage for their international journey.

    When
    During One Lagos Fiesta
    Where
    Lagos, Nigeria
  2. Plan the overseas honeymoon

    The engaged couple confirms their plan to honeymoon abroad, signaling a move from local to international settings. They prepare for the trip as a major chapter before the wedding. The decision shifts the story to foreign shores.

    When
    Post-engagement
    Where
    Lagos, Nigeria
  3. Arrival in the United States and welcome

    Bola and Akpos land in the United States and are greeted by Bola's sister Abigail and her husband Michael Rice. They are awed by the mansion Michael owns and the life that lies ahead. The setting promises a lavish but complicated new chapter.

    When
    On arrival
    Where
    Michael's mansion, United States
  4. Abigail's uneasy mood

    Bola senses Abigail is unhappy living with Michael and hesitates to explain why. The tension introduces family dynamics that will impact the couple's stay. Abigail's mood remains a recurring undercurrent in their visit.

    When
    Shortly after arrival
    Where
    Michael's mansion
  5. Golf outing mishap

    Michael and Akpos head to the golf course where Michael accidentally sweeps grass instead of the ball and topples. The comedic mishap provides a light break in the narrative and foreshadows the couple's uneasy stay. The incident occurs during their first outdoor excursion.

    When
    Shortly after arrival
    Where
    Golf course
  6. First sign of tension at home

    Bola asks about Abigail's mood again, but Abigail remains evasive. The lack of transparency adds tension to the household dynamics and hints at deeper secrets. The moment deepens the sense of unease in their stay.

    When
    After the golf outing
    Where
    Michael's mansion
  7. Return and a falling out

    When Akpos and Michael return, Bola and Akpos engage in a quarrel that strains their relationship. The dispute reveals incompatibilities that threaten their honeymoon ideal. The fight marks a turning point in their dynamics.

    When
    Following the earlier outing
    Where
    Michael's mansion
  8. Trip to Jamaica by private jet

    The group learns they will travel to Jamaica on Michael's private jet, shifting the setting from the U.S. to the Caribbean. The journey marks the transition from a luxurious stay to a culturally rich, unfamiliar environment.

    When
    After the fight
    Where
    En route to Jamaica
  9. Culture shock in Jamaica

    Arriving in Jamaica, the couple and locals experience culture shock and begin to acclimate to a new environment. They mingle with native Jamaicans and navigate unfamiliar customs and language. The vibrant setting contrasts with their earlier luxury life.

    When
    Upon arrival
    Where
    Jamaica
  10. Soccer brag and patois banter

    Akpos joins Jamaican natives to play soccer, boasting that he taught Jay Jay Okocha. He and friends argue over who speaks Jamaica patois best, highlighting linguistic pride and miscommunication. The moment blends humor with cultural clash.

    When
    During the Jamaica visit
    Where
    Jamaica
  11. Jamaican skunk and wild antics

    Akpos smokes Jamaican skunk with the locals and begins to act erratically. The episode adds a farcical layer to their Jamaican adventure as he struggles to fit in. The scene underscores the comic tone of their misadventure.

    When
    Mid-trip
    Where
    Jamaica
  12. Sex on The Beach misunderstanding

    In a bar, Akpos asks for a drink called 'Sex on The Beach', mistakenly thinking it's a literal encounter. The misunderstanding provides humor and highlights cultural misinterpretations abroad. The moment sets up further playful complications.

    When
    Bar scene during Jamaica stay
    Where
    Jamaica
  13. Casper's kidnapping and arrest; drug lord revelation

    Akpos, Abigail, and Michael are kidnapped by Casper's men, prompting Bola and others to call the police. Casper is arrested with his men. It is revealed that Michael is a drug baron on the run from a cartel, transforming the stakes of the trip.

    When
    Later in Jamaica
    Where
    Jamaica
  14. Relocation due to compromised location

    On discovering his location has been compromised, Michael relocates his family to Jamaica to shield them from danger and continue their lives under his criminal shadow.

    When
    End of narrative
    Where
    Jamaica

Last updated: October 01, 2025 at 13:05

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Timeline questions answered

A Trip to Jamaica Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of A Trip to Jamaica (2017): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why is Abigail unhappy living with Michael?

Abigail feels uneasy living with Michael because he is secretly a drug lord running from a mafia cartel. Her guarded demeanor and reluctance to explain her mood stem from fear and the precarious nature of their situation. The tension in their marriage is rooted in Michael's criminal lifestyle and the constant threat it poses to their family.

Foreshadowing: Abigail's uneasy mood is introduced shortly after arrival at the mansion, hinting at deeper marital issues.

  • abigail
  • michael
  • unhappy
  • marriage
  • drug lord
Q2

Why do Akpos and Bola have a falling out?

Akpos and Bola argue due to cultural and personal differences that surface during their honeymoon. The conflict highlights their differing expectations and backgrounds, creating tension in their newly engaged relationship. The disagreement occurs after their arrival in the US and represents a turning point in their relationship dynamics.

Foreshadowing: The tension builds from subtle cultural clashes that were present since their arrival.

  • akpos
  • bola
  • fight
  • relationship
  • tension
Q3

Why does Michael suddenly relocate everyone to Jamaica?

Michael decides to move the family to Jamaica after his location is compromised by the cartel. He hopes to hide in plain sight within the country's vibrant resort culture. The relocation is a desperate measure to protect his family from the dangerous criminal organization pursuing him.

Foreshadowing: The kidnapping incident directly leads to Michael realizing his cover is blown.

  • michael
  • jamaica
  • relocate
  • cartel
  • danger
Q4

What is Michael Rice's secret identity?

Michael Rice is revealed to be a drug baron who has been fleeing from a mafia cartel. His wealthy lifestyle in the United States is funded by his criminal operations. This revelation transforms the story's stakes and explains why Abigail has been living in constant unease throughout their stay.

Foreshadowing: Abigail's mysterious mood and guarded behavior hint at something sinister in their marriage.

  • michael rice
  • drug lord
  • cartel
  • secret identity
Q5

Why are Akpos, Abigail, and Michael kidnapped in Jamaica?

Akpos, Abigail, and Michael are kidnapped by Casper's men, who are connected to Michael's criminal past. The kidnapping occurs because Michael's location has been compromised, putting his family in danger. The police swift response leads to Casper's arrest and exposes Michael's true identity.

Foreshadowing: The tension from Abigail's mood and Michael's secretive behavior builds to this dangerous confrontation.

  • kidnapping
  • jamaica
  • casper
  • michael
  • drug cartel
Q6

What is the Sex on The Beach misunderstanding about?

At a Jamaican bar, Akpos asks for a drink called 'Sex on The Beach,' mistakenly believing it refers to a literal encounter rather than a cocktail. The humorous misunderstanding highlights cultural misinterpretations and adds comic relief to their Jamaican adventure.

Foreshadowing: This moment continues the pattern of Akpos experiencing culture shock throughout the trip.

  • sex on the beach
  • drink
  • misunderstanding
  • jamaica
  • comedy
Q7

Why does Akpos behave erratically after smoking?

Akpos joins locals for a smoke session involving Jamaican skunk, a potent strain of cannabis. He begins to feel its strong effects, which causes his erratic behavior. This comedic scene underscores his struggle to acclimate to the new environment and its local customs.

Foreshadowing: The culture shock moments throughout the Jamaica visit build to this peak of comedic disorientation.

  • akpos
  • skunk
  • weed
  • jamaica
  • erratic behavior
Q8

Why does Akpos say he taught Jay Jay Okocha how to play soccer?

Akpos makes a bold, boastful claim while playing soccer with Jamaican locals, insisting he taught Nigerian footballer Jay Jay Okocha the sport. This exaggerated self-promotion is played for humor and reflects Akpos's comedic character tendency to overstate his abilities.

Foreshadowing: This moment follows the pattern of Akpos's comedic overconfidence established earlier in the film.

  • akpos
  • jay jay okocha
  • soccer
  • boast
  • nigeria
Q9

Why does the movie shift from comedy to a thriller storyline?

The film balances lighthearted comedy with darker stakes as Michael's criminal background is revealed. The tonal shift occurs after the kidnapping scene, which exposes Michael as a drug lord. This pivot allows the story to explore both romantic celebration and dangerous deception, reflecting the unexpected challenges the couple faces.

Foreshadowing: Subtle hints of tension through Abigail's mood and Michael's secretive behavior foreshadow the darker revelation.

  • tone shift
  • thriller
  • comedy
  • drug lord
  • kidnapping
Q10

Why does Abigail stay with Michael despite being unhappy?

Abigail remains with Michael likely due to fear and the practical challenges of leaving a dangerous criminal. Her guarded behavior and refusal to explain her unease suggest she feels trapped in her circumstances. The summary implies she lives under constant pressure from Michael's criminal lifestyle.

Foreshadowing: Abigail's repeated evasiveness when Bola asks about her mood hints at a deeper, more dangerous reality.

  • abigail
  • michael
  • marriage
  • trapped
  • danger

Movie threads

More Movies Like A Trip to Jamaica, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes A Trip to Jamaica tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Comedies with a Thriller Twist like A Trip to Jamaica

Lighthearted journeys that take an unexpected plunge into serious danger. If you liked the blend of humor and sudden crime in A Trip to Jamaica, you'll enjoy these movies. Discover similar comedy-dramas where a vibrant adventure takes an unexpected turn into danger, secrets, and relationship tests.

  • comedic
  • adventurous
  • unsettling
  • tense
  • awkward
  • vibrant
  • Tone: light, suspenseful
  • Pacing: steady, with a tense turn
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread often follow a 'fish out of water' formula, where characters enter a new environment for a lighthearted purpose. The narrative builds comedic moments before a major plot twist—often a crime or secret—introduces real stakes and tension, forcing the characters into a more serious conflict.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped by their unique tonal blend, starting with a LIGHT, comedic feel and a STEADY pace before sharply escalating to MEDIUM intensity. They share a focus on culture shock, deception, and the strain that unexpected danger places on relationships.

Movies about Relationship Strains on Vacation like A Trip to Jamaica

Couples whose bonds are strained by culture shock and hidden truths abroad. Find movies similar to A Trip to Jamaica where a couple's journey becomes a test of their relationship. These films explore how travel, culture shock, and uncovering secrets can challenge an engagement or romance in a vibrant, unfamiliar setting.

  • awkward
  • unsettling
  • dramatic
  • lighthearted
  • vibrant
  • romantic
  • Tone: light, dramatic
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a couple, often newly engaged or committed, embarking on a trip that should be celebratory. Instead, the unfamiliar culture and the people they meet act as a catalyst, exposing underlying tensions, insecurities, or secrets that threaten to break them apart.

Why they belong together: This thread groups movies by their central conflict: a relationship under pressure in a foreign location. They share a MODERATE complexity with subplots, a STEADY pace that builds relational drama, and a mix of LIGHT emotional weight with genuine stakes, often involving family secrets or deception.

Every angle

A Trip to Jamaica (2017) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about A Trip to Jamaica in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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