• by Boredlisted

Directed and written by M. Night Shyamalan, "Trap" is a psychological thriller that intricately weaves the mundane with the sinister.

The film follows Cooper (Josh Hartnett), a seemingly devoted father who takes his teenage daughter, Riley (Ariel Donoghue), to see her favorite pop star, Lady Raven (played by Saleka Shyamalan, the director's daughter), at a concert.

What should have been a celebratory night quickly turns into chaos when it is revealed that Cooper is, in fact, a notorious serial killer known as "The Butcher."

As the concert unfolds, the authorities have set up a trap to apprehend Cooper, who is unaware that the police have surrounded the venue, hoping to catch him in the act.

The film cleverly contrasts the lively concert atmosphere with the darker aspects of Cooper's double life.

As he navigates the concert hall, he is pursued by law enforcement, led by a determined profiler, Dr. Grant (Hayley Mills), who is keen on capturing him.

Throughout the film, Cooper's frantic attempts to evade capture are interrupted by moments of father-daughter bonding. These moments showcase his desperate need to maintain his facade as a loving dad while simultaneously trying to escape the consequences of his violent actions.

The tension escalates as Cooper's past catches up with him, leading to a climax that exposes the depths of his wickedness and the fragility of his relationship with Riley.

While Trap is ambitious in its premise, it ultimately struggles to deliver a cohesive and satisfying narrative. The film's strength lies in its initial setup, where Shyamalan effectively creates a tense atmosphere filled with suspense and dark humor.

Hartnett shines as Cooper, embodying the character's duality with a mix of charm and menace. His performance captures the essence of a father who is both loving and deeply flawed, making the audience empathize with his plight, even as they grapple with the horror of his actions.

However, the film falters in its execution, particularly in the third act, where the tension dissipates, and the plot begins to meander. Critics have noted that the film's twist—while a hallmark of Shyamalan's style—feels underwhelming and predictable.

The revelation of Cooper's identity as The Butcher is not a shocking twist but rather an expected turn, given the film's setup and promotional materials. This lack of surprise detracts from the overall impact of the story.

The concert setting, inspired by real-life events and infused with musical elements, adds a unique flavor to the film. Saleka Shyamalan's performance as Lady Raven, although charming, lacks the gravitas needed to captivate the audience fully. Her songs, while well-composed, often feel overshadowed by the unfolding drama rather than enhancing it.

In terms of pacing, Trap struggles to maintain momentum. The film's early tension is palpable, but as the story progresses, it becomes bogged down by implausibilities and a lack of clear direction. The interactions between characters, particularly those involving Riley, sometimes feel forced and detract from the emotional stakes of the narrative.

Overall, Trap offers a mix of thrills and family dynamics, but it ultimately falls short of the heights that Shyamalan's earlier works achieved. While it is not the worst entry in his filmography, it lacks the finesse and depth that fans have come to expect.

The film reminds us of Shyamalan's ability to craft engaging stories, even if this particular outing feels like a missed opportunity to explore the darker themes it introduces.

In conclusion, Trap is a sturdy yet imperfect thriller that showcases M. Night Shyamalan's unique storytelling style. Still, it ultimately leaves viewers wanting more in terms of plot development and character depth.