The Tripper

The Tripper

Year: 2007

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Horror

A group of friends seeking a weekend of carefree fun unwittingly chooses a location steeped in a tragic past. Their celebration awakens dormant, sinister forces, and a methodical killer begins to stalk them. Driven by a bizarre and unsettling obsession with Ronald Reagan, the killer systematically targets the group, forcing them to confront the dark history of the area and fight for their survival.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Tripper (2007)

Trace every key event in The Tripper (2007) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Dylan's Childhood Encounter

In 1967, young Dylan Riggs witnesses California's Governor Ronald Reagan passionately criticizing the environmental movement. This moment profoundly impacts Dylan as he wrestles with his responsibility as a logger while caring for his ailing wife.

1967
2

The Protest Escalates

Dylan faces off against a group of environmental activists who are vehemently opposing his logging efforts. Frustration surges, leading to a confrontation where Dylan's anger culminates in a reckless act with a chainsaw that sends him to a mental institution.

1967
3

Friends Head to the Festival

Fast-forwarding 39 years, a group of friends, including Joey, Ivan, Samantha, Linda, Jade, and Jack, set out to attend the American Free Love Festival. Their journey is filled with excitement as they reminisce about the legendary Woodstock.

2006
4

Gas Station Incident

Their road trip takes a dangerous turn at a gas station where they confront a gang of roughnecks. Gus, a veteran fighter, intervenes heroically, breaking the arm of one thug and sending the situation into chaos.

2006 Gas Station
5

Festival Preparations

Despite warnings from local officer Buzz Hall about previous violent incidents, Frank Baker diligently works to ensure the festival's success. Ignoring the risks, the festival opens, but ominous feelings linger in the air.

2006 Festival Grounds
6

Mysterious Disappearance

As the festival kicks off, a festival-goer disappears into the woods under mysterious circumstances. This troubling event hints at the dread that looms over the festival, raising alarms among the attendees.

2006 Festival Grounds
7

Linda and Joey's Adventure

The following day, Linda and Joey venture into the woods, hoping to strengthen their bond. However, they are ambushed by the roughnecks now equipped with paintball guns, leading to a terrifying encounter.

2006 Woods
8

Horrific Discovery

Panic erupts as news spreads of a headless body found hanging from a tree. This grisly discovery forces Officer Buzz Hall to suspend the festival, much to the anger of Frank Baker, further escalating tensions.

2006 Festival Grounds
9

Samantha's Terrifying Encounter

Samantha sets out in search of Joey's keys but stumbles upon her abusive ex-boyfriend Jimmy's car. Fearful for her safety, she rushes to their van, only to discover the horrifying sight of her friends Jack and Jade's bodies.

2006 Van
10

The Chase Begins

In a tumult of fear and chaos, Samantha confronts Jimmy about the murders just as Ronald Reagan reemerges and kills them both. Samantha narrowly escapes, her heart racing in terror as she flees the scene.

2006
11

Buzz's Allegation

Officer Buzz Hall, convinced that Dylan Riggs is behind the festival's horrors, tracks him to his isolated cabin. Upon arrival, he stumbles into a grotesque scene, further deepening his suspicions about Dylan's involvement.

2006 Dylan's Cabin
12

Confrontation with Dylan

A tense chase ensues when Buzz and Dylan confront each other, resulting in a chaotic battle. Dylan accidentally triggers a punji stick trap, leading to his tragic demise and leaving Buzz shocked and horrified.

2006 Dylan's Cabin
13

Baker's Narrow Escape

Meanwhile, Frank Baker is on the run from the relentless Reagan. He takes refuge in an outhouse, temporarily escaping danger while grappling with the escalating chaos surrounding the festival.

2006 Outhouse
14

Samantha's Revenge

Samantha seizes an opportunity to strike back at Reagan, attacking him with a hammer until he loses consciousness. However, the plot thickens when she uncovers Gus, the true killer with hidden ties to Dylan.

2006 Festival Grounds
15

Final Showdown

In a shocking twist, Gus is revealed to be the mastermind behind the murders. As he attacks Baker with a chainsaw, the thin line between vengeance and horror becomes evident, marking a horrific end to the festival.

2006 Woods

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 11:33

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Gimmick Slasher Movies like The Tripper

Slasher films where the killer has a distinctive, often bizarre, signature motif.If you liked the unique, Ronald Reagan-obsessed killer in The Tripper, explore more movies like it. This list features horror films with slashers who have distinctive gimmicks, from thematic masks to bizarre fixations, delivering similar fast-paced, tense, and violent slasher experiences.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a group of potential victims being systematically hunted by a single, persistent killer. The narrative is driven by the killer's distinctive modus operandi, which often provides a unique hook and sets the film apart within the slasher subgenre. The plot is frequently straightforward, prioritizing suspense and survival over complex twists.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here based on the shared premise of a memorable, gimmick-driven antagonist. They deliver a specific type of slasher experience where the villain's unique characteristic is as central to the film's appeal as the scares and kills, creating a cohesive subcategory of horror.

Horror Movies Set at Festivals like The Tripper

Stories where celebratory gatherings descend into violent chaos and terror.For viewers who enjoyed the chaotic festival setting of The Tripper, this list compiles similar movies where celebrations turn deadly. Discover horror films that use crowded, isolated events to create a sense of inescapable dread, blending slasher tropes with the unique terror of a party gone wrong.

chaoticanxiousparanoidoppressivesuspensefulviolentunsettling

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves characters seeking fun in a populated but isolated environment. The danger often emerges from within the crowd or the location's dark history, turning the setting from a refuge into a prison. The chaos of the event masks the initial threat, leading to a rapid breakdown of order and a desperate fight for survival amid the pandemonium.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared use of a festival or large-scale event as a central setting that contributes directly to the horror. The combination of a crowded yet isolating environment, fast-paced chaos, and a pervasive sense of danger creates a distinct and potent cinematic experience.

Unlock the Full Story of The Tripper

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Tripper in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Tripper is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Tripper Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Tripper, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Tripper Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Tripper

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Tripper. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Tripper

The Tripper Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Tripper that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Tripper Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Tripper

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Tripper: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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