Traffik draws from a deep legacy of psychological thrillers in Hollywood. Like Straw Dogs, Green Room, or Cape Fear before it, Traffik tells the story of ordinary people who, through unfortunate coincidence, end up as a target for vicious criminals who want them dead. While it’s a well regarded approach to the thriller genre, and one known for eliciting critical acclaim, it’s a sub-genre that isn’t often seen in new movies today. The new movie trailer demonstrates a wrinkle on the formula that makes it more relevant to modern audiences as well. Where older contributions to this genre typically play to the insecurities of white middle class Americans, Traffik takes pains to create a multicultural cast that more accurately reflects the American experience. Omar Epps and Paula Patton are joined by Roselyn Sanchez and Laz Alsonzo, who play the pair of couples forced to defend themselves against a gang of ruthless bikers.
A look at this new movie behind the scenes reveals that this focus on multiculturalism isn’t an incidental thing. The consulting producer is Tiny Harris, the wife of T.I., and a promising entrepreneur in her own right (T.I. will also serve in the position of executive producer). New movies like Black Panther prove that majority black casts can make popular inroads into previously white-majority genres, and Harris is enthusiastic about the notion of creating a more diverse Hollywood that represents people of color both in front of and behind the camera. This partnership with Lionsgate Productions is just the first venture into the world of film. She already has two other movies in production, focused on her all-female band, Xscape. But first up is Traffik, and the new movie behind the scenes situation looks like it could promise a bold and diverse promise for a richer environment of movies.
