Directed by
Marco Kreuzpaintner
Made by
Roadside Attractions
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Trade (2007). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
The camera glides over the lush, forested hills to the vibrant sounds of Spanish music, eventually settling on the lively streets of Mexico City. Nestled within a poorer neighborhood is a modest, festive house celebrating the 13th birthday of Adriana (Paulina Gaitan). As her mother prepares the festivities, Adriana’s older brother, Jorge (Cesar Ramos), arrives home with a thoughtful birthday gift—a brand new girls’ bicycle. Elated, Adriana embraces her brother, but their mother, Lupe, is suspicious. She questions where Jorge obtained the funds for such an expensive present and expresses disapproval of his new friends, whom she deems questionable. Jorge brushes off her concerns, insisting he landed a job as an English tour guide at the Zocalo but must leave immediately with his friends. Lupe, worried about the family’s safety with their father absent, strictly forbids Adriana from keeping the bicycle, so it must be returned.
As Jorge rushes off to work, the narrative shifts to Veronica (Alicja Bachleda), a young Polish woman en route to Mexico City with friends. Upon landing, she is introduced to Vadim Youchenko (Pasha ‘Pavel’ Lychnikoff) and starts to feel uneasy when her acquaintance insists on taking their passports for “visa reasons.” Things escalate as Vadim forcibly drags Veronica into a car, effectively beginning her nightmare, while a desperate attempt from her friend leads to a tragic fatality when she is hit by a car in the chaos.
Meanwhile, Jorge attempts to guide an American tourist but ends up robbing him with the help of his friends, leaving the tourist shaken as they celebrate their escapade at a local cantina. The following day, Adriana, eager to express her gratitude to Jorge, sneaks out to ride her bicycle despite their mother’s orders. Little does she know, a sinister black car is tailing her. When she finally realizes the danger, it’s too late; two men abduct her from the alley before she can escape.
Jorge soon discovers that his sister has vanished along with her prized bicycle. Fueled by urgency, he chases down a boy riding the bike and learns the devastating news that no one in their neighborhood saw what happened. Amidst his frantic search, he encounters Don Victor, a local official who warns him about the Russian sex trafficking ring that preys on young girls—like Adriana. Their conversation highlights Jorge’s helplessness as Victor explains the operations of these traffickers.
Back in captivity, Veronica faces horror as she witnesses the exploitation of several girls, including Adriana, at the hands of Vadim and his accomplices. With emotions swirling, Adriana prays for rescue as she bonds with Veronica, believing that faith can lead her brother to find her. As Jorge continues to search in vain, he discovers that time is running out; the fathers of the trafficking ring are merciless, and they work under a vast network throughout Mexico City.
The chase intensifies when Jorge’s quest to locate his lost sister leads him into a grim stash house. As he navigates through crowded streets, Ray Sheridan (Kevin Kline), an insurance fraud investigator, becomes inadvertently entangled in Jorge’s mission following a series of gut-wrenching encounters. In a race against time, Ray and Jorge team up, but they are met with various obstacles that reveal the deep-seated challenges engulfing their pursuit of justice.
Amidst harrowing situations involving deception, manipulation, and brutality, the narrative reaches a crucial turning point. Veronica, embodying courage, attempts a daring escape for both herself and Adriana. However, the relentless shadows of their captors loom large, battling against their hopes for freedom. In a heart-stopping finale, Ray and Jorge confront the rot at the core of the trafficking ring, battling to rescue Adriana before she becomes just another statistic on the dark web of exploitation.
With lives at stake and the haunting specter of despair looming, the tightly woven fates of all characters entwine in a fight against the grotesque realities of trafficking, leading to a climax that blurs the lines of morality and justice. Will courage and love prevail in this tragic tale rooted in oppression, or will it succumb to the shadows of a ruthless underworld?
Follow the complete movie timeline of Trade (2007) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Adriana's 13th Birthday Celebration
The story begins as Adriana celebrates her 13th birthday in a modest home in Mexico City. The atmosphere is lively and festive, filled with the sounds of Spanish music and family togetherness.
Jorge's Birthday Gift
Jorge surprises Adriana with a brand new girls' bicycle as a birthday present. Despite her excitement, their mother Lupe expresses concern over the origins of the gift and Jorge's new friends.
Jorge's New Job
As Jorge prepares to leave for work, he claims to have landed a job as an English tour guide at Zocalo. Lupe remains suspicious and forbids Adriana from keeping the bicycle, fearing for their safety.
Veronica's Arrival in Mexico City
Veronica arrives in Mexico City with her friends, looking forward to her adventure. However, she quickly becomes uneasy when Vadim insists on taking their passports for visa purposes.
Veronica's Abduction
Things take a horrifying turn when Vadim forcibly drags Veronica into a car, cutting short her hopes for a fun trip. In the chaos, one of her friends tragically gets hit by a car while attempting to help her.
Jorge's Descent into Crime
Desperate for money, Jorge teams up with his friends to rob an American tourist. They celebrate their robbery later in a cantina, showcasing the dangerous path Jorge is treading.
Adriana's Abduction
Ignoring her mother's orders, Adriana sneaks out to ride her new bicycle. Unbeknownst to her, a sinister black car is following her, leading to her abduction from an alley.
Jorge's Frantic Search
Upon discovering Adriana's disappearance, Jorge frantically searches for her, questioning locals and chasing down leads. He learns of the rumor surrounding a Russian sex trafficking ring in the area.
The Horrors of Captivity
Veronica finds herself in a nightmarish situation as she and Adriana become victims of the trafficking ring. They witness the exploitation of other girls, heightening their despair and determination to escape.
Jorge's Allies in the Fight
Jorge's quest for his sister leads him to cross paths with Ray Sheridan, an insurance fraud investigator. Together, they navigate a treacherous landscape of deceit and danger in hopes of rescuing Adriana.
A Desperate Escape Plan
Veronica courageously formulates a plan to escape with Adriana. Determined to break free from their captors, they face their fears in a high-stakes attempt to reclaim their lives.
Confrontation with the Traffickers
In a tense standoff, Jorge and Ray confront the traffickers to rescue Adriana and Veronica. The battle reveals the ruthless realities of human trafficking and tests their resolve.
A Fight for Survival
As the climax unfolds, both Jorge and Veronica fight for their lives and freedom. The stakes are high, revealing the intricacies of moral dilemmas and the fight against exploitation.
The Pursuit of Justice
The movie concludes with an emphasis on the consequences of the fight against human trafficking. Characters reflect on their choices, courage, and the hope for a brighter future amidst the darkness.
Explore all characters from Trade (2007). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Adriana
Adriana is a spirited 13-year-old whose innocence is abruptly shattered when she becomes a victim of human trafficking. Her character illustrates resilience and faith amidst fear as she hopes for rescue. Her bond with Veronica signifies the strength found in solidarity during harrowing times.
Jorge
Jorge, Adriana's older brother, is depicted as caring yet misguided, initially entangled in nefarious activities. His transformation into a determined protector showcases his growth as he becomes increasingly aware of the dangers surrounding his family and embarks on a desperate mission to find his sister.
Ray Sheridan
Ray Sheridan is an insurance fraud investigator whose involvement in Jorge's quest reveals his moral complexities. Despite being an outsider to the trafficking world, Ray's journey illustrates his willingness to confront challenges as he joins forces with Jorge in a race against time.
Veronica
Veronica is a young Polish woman who embodies courage throughout her harrowing ordeal. Facing the horrors of trafficking, she forms a crucial connection with Adriana, and her daring attempts at escape demonstrate her strength against oppressive circumstances.
Learn where and when Trade (2007) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The events of the movie take place in contemporary times, reflecting the ongoing issues of human trafficking in modern society. This period is characterized by a clash between economic difficulties and the desperation that can lead individuals into dangerous situations.
Location
Mexico City, Zocalo
Mexico City is a sprawling metropolis known for its rich history and vibrant culture. The Zocalo, the city's main square, is surrounded by historical buildings and serves as a focal point for various activities, making it a bustling hub for tourists and locals alike.
Discover the main themes in Trade (2007). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
🕊️
Hope
Hope is a central theme in 'Trade' as characters cling to the possibility of rescue and freedom amid dire circumstances. Adriana's faith in her brother and Veronica's courage to escape serve as powerful reminders of resilience even in the darkest of times.
💔
Exploitation
The theme of exploitation runs throughout 'Trade,' illustrating the grim realities of human trafficking. Characters face various forms of manipulation and brutality, highlighting the horrors that young girls endure at the hands of traffickers, reflecting a critical social issue.
🚨
Desperation
Desperation permeates the film as characters navigate life's challenges, particularly in their fight against human trafficking. Jorge's frantic search for his sister embodies the lengths to which individuals will go when confronted with overwhelming circumstances.
Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2025)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.