M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘Trap’ Review: A Captivating Intellectual Duel

Prepare to be intrigued as M. Night Shyamalan masterfully crafts the classic Hitchockian suspense thriller Trap in a way that defies conventional storytelling. The plot, which involves a serial killer unknowingly walking into a trap set at a pop concert, may seem like a giveaway. But don’t be fooled, this is not a twist but a crucial part of Shyamalan’s meticulously planned suspenseful narrative. This simple premise sets the stage for a thrilling rollercoaster ride that keeps you guessing till the end.

Josh Hartnett’s portrayal of Cooper, the seemingly innocent dad with a knack for dad jokes, is endearing. His daughter, Riley (Ariel Donoghue), is thrilled to attend a concert by pop sensation Lady Raven, played by Shyamalan’s own daughter Saleka Night Shyamalan. However, the unusually high police presence at the concert venue raises Cooper’s suspicions.

Cooper soon discovers the shocking truth: Lady Raven’s concert is a ruse to capture the notorious serial killer, “The Butcher.” As fate would have it, Cooper is the Butcher, setting off a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase as he tries to evade the authorities, led by Hayley Mills, and escape the venue.

The plot is ripe for suspense. Cooper and the audience are privy to his dark secret, while everyone else remains oblivious. But Shyamalan doesn’t play by the rules. Once Cooper uncovers the truth, he starts plotting his escape, but the expected nail-biting tension is absent. At least initially. Watching Cooper navigate the stadium, dealing with obstacles and close calls, is entertaining but not necessarily suspenseful. That’s because Cooper is clever, adaptable, and incredibly lucky. But just when you start feeling comfortable, Shyamalan throws a curveball, turning Trap into a thrilling battle of wits.

Hartnett shines as Cooper, a psychopath masquerading as a suburban dad. The first half of Trap is a delight, watching Cooper fool everyone with his innocent act. But as the situation becomes more precarious, Cooper’s dark side emerges. Shyamalan cleverly balances Cooper’s cunning with a cast of equally intelligent characters, making the thriller unpredictable and exciting.

What starts as a light-hearted romp gradually morphs into a dark and intense thriller. Shyamalan maintains a high-octane drama with stunning camerawork and suspenseful shots. Trap then takes a darker turn, becoming a psychological thriller. Shyamalan continues to explore family bonds, with Saleka’s complex character, Lady Raven, ensuring that the audience is emotionally invested in the outcome. The question is, do we want Cooper to be caught?

The answer might surprise you. Hartnett’s performance is simply too captivating.

While the plot of Trap is straightforward, the complexity lies in its characters. The film is divided into two halves – the first half is as charming and light-hearted as Cooper’s dad persona, while the second half is a gripping series of standoffs as the Butcher drops his act. Both halves are crucial to the film, but it truly comes alive when the Butcher lets loose.

Trap is now playing in theaters.