Sometimes the pleasure of a good Lifetime film is how ridiculous it is. But there’s something to be said for a simple, grounded story done well. Trapped in Her Dorm Room has the potential to be completely over the top. As written by Casey John, however, the story about an obsessive, entitled man who imprisons […]
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Hanna delivers a quietly compelling performance. For large chunks of the run time, Erin is either tied to her bed or her desk and while the character is put through the emotional wringer, Erin is no damsel in distress. Our protagonist frequently makes smart, believable choices to either placate Cade or seize on opportunities for escape.
The MVP of the film, however, is Sparks III, who effortlessly channels the disarming likability of an entitled straight white man. There’s definitely a soft incel vibe in Cade’s desire to control Erin, particularly when her sexuality (ie: she should be with him and no one else, otherwise she’s “just like the other girls”). John’s script wisely has Erin challenge him on this subject in a way that doesn’t feel preachy, but definitely gets the point across.
As the film progresses, additional characters and developments are introduced to shake up the narrative. These include Anna (Ishika Muchhal), the RA on Erin’s floor who some suspicious activity and begins to monitor the situation. There’s also campus security officer Sophia Tate (Jessica A. Caesar), who performs a wellness check on Erin and later connects the dots when Andrea realizes something is very wrong.
The fact that all of the characters who become embroiled in the story are women is no coincidence. Trapped in Her Dorm Room engenders sympathy for its male antagonist with an abusive backstory in its back half, but for the most part, the film openly acknowledges the dangers of toxic masculinity, unchecked mental illness, and how vital it is to believe women.
Even if some of the developments stretch credibility, Cade’s actions throughout the film reinforce how easy it is for men to play into and manipulate social hierarchies to their benefit. Erin is a survivor who repeatedly fights for her own freedom, but it is only because of the interjections of multiple women who refuse to dismiss their gut instincts that she is discovered.
Trapped in Her Dorm Room isn’t the most bombastic Lifetime movie, but it tells its simple story exceedingly well. Hanna and Sparks III anchor the film with grounded performances. The story unfolds in a believable, but entertaining fashion so that the film never becomes boring. It’s just a solidly entertaining thriller with an extremely relevant perspective on unchecked male entitlement.
Trapped in Her Dorm Room airs on Lifetime Movie Network on March 21 at 8pm EST.
