From Promising Setup to Predictable Payoff: Trap Falls Flat

INTRODUCTION

About ten minutes into this movie, “Trap,” you can spot SWAT police cars speeding down a road.

If you look closely at the roadside scenery, you’ll notice a large billboard displaying a poster for another film titled “The Watched (2024).” This movie was directed by M. Night Shyamalan, and his daughter, Ishana Shyamalan.

“Trap” (2024) is a thought-provoking psychological thriller and horror movie directed and produced by M. Night Shyamalan, who was so passionate about the project that he funded its initial development himself.

The film features a talented cast, including Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Night Shyamalan, Hayley Mills, and Alison Pill. It is based on the true story of Operation Flagship, an event that happened long ago.

“Trap” is in theaters starting August 2, 2024. The movie runs for one hour and forty-five minutes and is rated PG-13 due to its frightening scenes and strong language.

WHAT IS TRAP ABOUT? PLOT/SYNOPSIS

Cooper Adams is happy. His teenage daughter, Riley, has done exceptionally well in school, and as a reward, he’s taking her to see her favorite pop star, Lady Raven, live in concert. The night starts with excitement, but Cooper can’t help but notice something odd.

The concert venue is swarming with police. He asks around and learns from a friendly vendor named Jamie that the FBI is planning to catch a notorious serial killer known as “the Butcher,” who is rumored to be in attendance.

Cooper, always a curious guy, decides to dig a little deeper. Secretly, he checks his phone and watches footage of his latest captive, Spencer, tied up in a dark basement.

It’s revealed that Cooper is the Butcher. With a sly grin, he steals Jamie’s ID card and learns the secret passphrase that will identify him as an employee.

Armed with this new identity, Cooper sneaks into a back room and steals a police radio.

Listening in on the police chatter, Cooper hears a woman predicting his every move. Realizing he’s being tracked, he creates a diversion. He sets off an explosion in a nearby food stand’s kitchen, causing chaos.

Amid the panic, he slips away to the roof and eavesdrops on a conversation between two officers. From them, he learns that the manhunt is led by Dr. Josephine Grant, a smart FBI profiler.

Meanwhile, Riley, oblivious to her father’s dark side, is excited about the concert. She tells Cooper she’s been chosen as Lady Raven’s “Dreamer Girl,” a special honor that includes dancing on stage with the pop star and backstage access.

Cooper sees this as a perfect escape route since he believes the backstage area is the only exit not heavily guarded by police. He tells Lady Raven’s uncle that Riley recently recovered from leukemia, tugging at his heartstrings and securing Riley’s spot as the “Dreamer Girl.”

As the concert concludes, Cooper realizes his plan isn’t as foolproof as he thought. Police are guarding the backstage exit too. Thinking quickly, he reveals his true identity to Lady Raven in private, threatening to kill Spencer remotely if she doesn’t help him and Riley escape but can he do that? With his daughter close by, what other choice does he have?

MY THOUGHTS ON ‘TRAP’

“Trap” is a new thriller movie by M. Night Shyamalan, known for his surprising endings. This time, he gives us a story that is very interesting, even though it’s a bit predictable.

I enjoyed almost everything about the movie, but I felt that The Butcher, the villain, seemed more lucky than smart. This shouldn’t be the case.

To make a really good story, the villain needs to be clever and have well-thought-out plans. Being just lucky takes away the excitement from the thriller and makes it predictable.

CHARACTER PERFORMANCE

Josh Hartnett doesn’t just play Cooper; he inhabits him. One moment, he’s the picture-perfect dad, the kind who has the “world’s greatest dad” emblazoned on his heart (if not his t-shirt)—had me rooting for him, smiling with him as he helps his kid prepare for a concert.

But then, like a magician pulling a rabbit from a hat (or, in this case, a sinister secret from a seemingly ordinary man), Hartnett flips the script. His eyes narrow, his demeanor shifts, and suddenly, you’re not sure who this guy is anymore. Is he still the loving father?

Ariel Donoghue as Riley is the fresh-faced innocence amidst the tempest. She’s your typical teen, excited about the concert, oblivious to the undercurrent of danger moving around her. Donoghue shows this perfectly, making us ache to protect her.

Saleka Shyamalan’s Lady Raven is more than just a pop star; she’s a breath of fresh air in a story filled with tension. Her character adds unexpected depth, proving that there’s more to her than meets the eye (or ear). Shyamalan’s performance shines, and her talent elevates the entire film.

VISUAL DESIGN AND CINEMATOGRAPHY

The movie is visually stunning. The concert setting is unique for a thriller, and Shyamalan uses it well. The bright lights and loud music create a stark contrast with the dark, suspenseful story. The camera work is excellent, especially during the scenes where Cooper is trying to find a way out. You can feel the tension as the camera follows his every move, making you feel right there with him.

WRITING STYLE AND STORY

Shyamalan’s writing is known for twists, and “Trap” is no different. However, this movie does things a bit differently. The dialogue is simple and effective, but some of the police characters feel a bit too inept, which can be frustrating.

The music in “Trap” plays a significant role in setting the tone. The concert scenes are lively and full of catchy tunes, thanks to the way Saleka Shyamalan plays pop idol Lady Raven. Her performances bring authenticity to the concert setting and enhance the film’s atmosphere.

The soundtrack perfectly complements the film’s mood, from the high-energy concert scenes to the more suspenseful, quieter moments.

THEMES

“Trap” explores several themes:

– Deception and Duality.

– Suspense and Tension.

– Family and Loyalty.

AUDIENCE COMMENTS

CONCLUSION

Overall, “Trap” is a thrilling ride that showcases M. Night Shyamalan’s talent for suspense. Josh Hartnett’s performance is a standout, and the unique setting of a concert adds an interesting twist to the usual thriller formula.

While the police characters could have been written better, the movie is still a fun and engaging watch. If you enjoy thrillers with a psychological edge, “Trap” is worth your time. Just be prepared for a few frustrating moments along the way.

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