Vacancy 2007

Mystery

Thriller

Horror

Box Office

$35M

Runtime

85 min

Language

English

Directed by

Nimród Antal

Made by

Screen Gems

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Vacancy (2007). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

Ami and David, a couple navigating their way home, inadvertently take a wrong turn on a desolate mountain road. As fate would have it, they hit a raccoon, resulting in car damage and an unexpected stay at a secluded motel. Unbeknownst to them, their room is the scene of unsettling snuff films. This realization sends them into a panic, compounded by the ominous presence of the motel’s off-putting manager, Mason (Frank Whaley), and his two masked henchmen.

In a frantic attempt to escape, the couple discovers they are trapped without cell phone reception. The atmosphere becomes increasingly menacing as David, played by Luke Wilson, unveils the horrifying tapes and hears ominous banging from the adjacent room. After a failed attempt to reach help via a payphone—just before a car crashes into it—they lock themselves inside their room, only to find the truck driver who had pulled in is actually there to purchase the very snuff films they dread.

In a desperate bid for survival, David and Amy find a tunnel hidden in their bathroom, narrowly evading their pursuers. This labyrinth leads them to Mason’s lair, replete with monitors showing the motel’s every corner. While attempting to call 911, Amy is interrupted before she can provide any crucial details. After a series of tense moments, they venture back into the tunnel, ultimately finding their way to the auto garage.

However, their hope for rescue is dashed when a responding police officer, oblivious to the danger, is killed by the masked assailants. The couple seeks refuge in another motel room, where David hides Amy in the ceiling. Unfortunately, he is discovered and viciously stabbed, collapsing unconscious in the doorway.

As dawn breaks, Amy bravely descends from her hiding spot, discovering the killers’ vehicle. In a heart-pounding escape attempt, she commandeers a car, only to be attacked by one of the masked men from the sunroof. In a moment of sheer instinct, she crashes the car into the motel, eliminating her attacker as well as another goon—a gas station attendant who had previously pretended to assist them.

The ensuing confrontation with Mason escalates into a brutal struggle. Just as he seems to gain the upper hand, he inadvertently gives Amy the opportunity to reclaim a dropped revolver. With unwavering determination, she shoots him three times before sprinting back to her beloved David, who remains clinging to life. Using a cord from Mason’s body, she once again calls 911, whispering sweet reassurances to David, who, despite everything, is still alive.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Vacancy (2007) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Wrong Turn

Ami and David, a couple, take a wrong turn on a desolate mountain road while trying to navigate their way home. This unexpected detour leads them into an isolated area, setting the stage for the horrifying events that follow.

Desolate Mountain Road

Raccoon Incident

While driving, the couple accidentally hits a raccoon, causing damage to their car. This unfortunate accident forces them to seek shelter at a nearby secluded motel for the night.

Secluded Motel

Unsettling Discoveries

Upon settling into their room, Ami and David discover the disturbing reality of their situation through unsettling snuff films that reveal the motel's dark past. Panic sets in as they begin to comprehend the true nature of their surroundings.

Motel Room

Mason's Threat

The atmosphere grows increasingly ominous as they encounter Mason, the motel's unsettling manager, along with his two masked henchmen. Their menacing presence escalates the couple's fear as they realize they are in grave danger.

Motel Office

Trapped Without Help

In a frantic attempt to escape, Ami and David discover the hopelessness of their situation when they find that they have no cell phone reception. The isolation deepens their panic as they realize they are truly trapped.

Motel

Crisis at the Payphone

David attempts to reach help using a payphone, but is thwarted when a car crashes into it moments before he can get through. This event heightens their desperation as they are cut off from any chance of rescue.

Motel Parking Lot

Discovery of the Tunnel

After realizing the depths of their peril, David and Ami discover a hidden tunnel in their bathroom. As they navigate the dark passageway, they hope it might provide an escape from their pursuers.

Motel Bathroom

Mason's Lair

The tunnel leads them to Mason's lair, filled with monitors showing every corner of the motel. In a critical moment, Ami tries to call 911, but is interrupted, leaving them vulnerable.

Mason's Lair

Police Officer's Fate

As they seek help, a responding police officer arrives but is oblivious to the lethal threat lurking nearby. Tragically, he is killed by the masked assailants, dashing the couple's hopes for rescue.

Motel

Hiding in the Ceiling

In a desperate bid for survival, David hides Amy in the ceiling of a motel room before confronting the attackers. Unfortunately, he is discovered and viciously stabbed, collapsing at the entrance.

Motel Room

Dawn of Escape

As dawn breaks, Amy bravely descends from her hiding spot and spots the killers' vehicle. Seizing her chance, she makes a daring escape attempt, commandeering a car.

Motel Parking Lot

Car Crash

During her escape, Amy is attacked by one of the masked men who emerges from the sunroof. In a moment of instinctive bravery, she crashes the car into the motel, eliminating both her attacker and a gas station attendant.

Motel

Confrontation with Mason

The confrontation with Mason escalates into a brutal struggle as Amy fights for her life. Just when it seems Mason is gaining the upper hand, she seizes an opportunity to reclaim a revolver.

Motel

Final Stand

With unwavering determination, Amy shoots Mason three times, securing her survival. She then rushes back to David, who is clinging to life, desperately hoping for help.

Motel

Call for Help

Using a cord from Mason's body, Amy manages to call 911. She whispers sweet reassurances to David, who, against all odds, is still alive as they wait for rescue.

Motel

Characters

Explore all characters from Vacancy (2007). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

David (Luke Wilson)

David is depicted as a caring partner who, despite his panic, tries to protect Amy at all costs. His initial disbelief gives way to horror as he uncovers the motel's dark secrets, showcasing his transition from denial to resolve. This character's strength in crisis illustrates the complexities of human nature under duress.

👨‍❤️‍👨 Partner 😨 Fear

Amy (Kate Beckinsale)

Amy embodies resilience and courage throughout their harrowing ordeal. Her resourcefulness is demonstrated when she navigates the hidden tunnel and ultimately confronts their pursuers. Her character arc reflects a transformation from vulnerability to empowerment, asserting her will to survive in the face of overwhelming odds.

💪 Strength 🏃‍♀️ Survival

Setting

Learn where and when Vacancy (2007) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The events of the movie unfold in modern times, reflecting current societal and technological aspects. The reliance on cell phones for communication highlights the stark contrast of their disconnect from the outside world once they enter the motel.

Location

secluded motel, desolate mountain road

The movie takes place in a secluded motel located along a desolate mountain road. This remote setting is known for its eerie atmosphere, heightened by the tension surrounding the ominous events occurring within. The isolation of the location serves to intensify the couple's feelings of panic and entrapment.

🏨 Motel 🌲 Mountain

Themes

Discover the main themes in Vacancy (2007). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🔪

Survival

The theme of survival permeates the film as Amy and David fight to escape a deadly situation. Their determination to stay alive showcases the lengths individuals will go to when faced with imminent danger. This theme explores not only physical survival but also the mental resilience required in life-threatening circumstances.

🎥

Fear and Paranoia

Fear and paranoia are central themes, as the couple becomes increasingly aware of their dire situation. The unsettling discovery of snuff films escalates their terror, reflecting a broader commentary on the invasive nature of media consumption. This theme highlights how fear can distort reality and influence human behavior.

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