Trick

On Halloween night, a veteran detective named Mike Denver hunts a mysterious masked killer who reappears every year, leaving a bloody wake as cities seal off to celebrate while fear lingers. Denver becomes entangled in a cat and mouse game with a killer who seems to anticipate his every move, leaving clues that blur the line between urban legend and real danger. As the body count climbs, the investigation uncovers a history of a ritualized feud and a pattern that hints at more than simple vengeance. The investigation crosses paths with a local physician and a wary sheriff, all while the killer's mask hides a chilling motive. The tension escalates as time runs out and the city braces for a showdown.

Directed by Patrick Lussier from an original story by Todd Farmer; Trick arrived in 2019 as a Halloween themed thriller. It features Omar Epps, Tom Atkins, Jamie Kennedy and others, and marks Lussier's return to practical effects driven horror today.

Trick did not earn major nominations at the Oscars, Golden Globes, or Emmys. It did, however, draw attention from horror fans for its practical effects and performances by a veteran cast, though these did not translate into major accolades. Its cast and production design earned fan appreciation not formal recognition.

The movie did not spark standout quotes or iconic scenes that entered the wider pop culture. It remains largely a curio for horror fans who appreciate late 2010s practical effects and Halloween mood. Some fans discuss the mask design and practical effects, but it lacks enduring quotes or lasting impact.

Critics offered mixed reactions noting solid performances from Epps and Atkins while criticizing pacing and plotting. The film leans into themes of obsession, fear as a social force, and how Halloween magnifies grim realities, turning a routine pursuit into a ritual of reckoning. Overall, it divides audiences but earns respect.