M. Night Shyamalan is currently experiencing a significant resurgence in his career. Following the success of 2015’s The Visit, Shyamalan embarked on the ambitious task of creating sequels to his 2000 cult favorite Unbreakable in the form of Split and Glass. He continued to showcase his unique storytelling style with Old and Knock at the Cabin. While some may feel he hasn’t quite reached the heights of The Sixth Sense and Signs, others believe he remains ahead of the curve. Shyamalan’s most recent project, Trap, pairs him with a resurgent lead star, Josh Hartnett (Oppenheimer, Penny Dreadful), resulting in some of their most compelling work to date. Trap combines gripping suspense with dark comedy in a unique character study, showcasing Shyamalan’s mastery of his craft once again.
Cooper Adams (Josh Hartnett) simply wants his teenage daughter Riley (Ariel Donaghue) to have an unforgettable experience seeing her favorite pop star in concert. However, fate has other plans. While taking Riley to see the renowned Lady Raven (Shyamalan’s daughter Saleka Shyamalan) during her stadium arena tour in Philadelphia, Cooper discovers that authorities among the crowd have set a trap to capture the infamous serial killer known as “The Butcher” at the event. The twist? Cooper is, in fact, The Butcher. Now, under immense pressure, Cooper must navigate evading capture while ensuring his daughter enjoys the concert of her dreams.
In many of Shyamalan’s works, great concepts often get muddled with tones and ideas that fail to connect; however, Trap breaks free from this trend. It stands out as one of Shyamalan’s most cohesive scripts. The moment Cooper becomes aware of the situation, Trap intensifies and never lets up. There are no mind-bending twists or shocking reveals; instead, Shyamalan focuses on the core concept, immersing viewers in the struggle of a conflicted man torn between protecting his daughter and eluding capture. This commitment to the central premise keeps audiences engaged, with Shyamalan throwing unexpected twists at every turn. In this aspect, Trap evokes similarities to Uncut Gems, keeping viewers on edge with each new obstacle Cooper faces.
Josh Hartnett & Ariel Donoghue in ‘Trap’ courtesy of Warner Bros.
One of the captivating elements of Trap is its immersive cinematography. Cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom (Challengers) creates a sense of claustrophobia in the expansive stadium where Lady Raven performs. The hues of gray in the hallways, the labyrinth of hidden passages, the dense crowd, and the vibrant red concert lights reflecting off Josh Hartnett’s face all contribute to the feeling of being trapped in a maze. This tension is heightened by the evocative score from Herdís Stefánsdóttir (Knock at the Cabin) and original songs by Saleka Shyamalan, enveloping the audience in a sonic experience reflective of the chaos in Cooper’s mind.
The camera work in Trap offers a unique perspective, focusing on objects and pathways through Cooper’s eyes as potential tools for his escape. Each lingering shot creates suspense, leaving viewers on edge about the significance of each detail in Cooper’s survival. Even simple objects like an ID card dangling from a guard’s belt can elicit gasps or nervous laughter as the story unfolds. Trap immerses viewers in a consequential game of “I, Spy,” effectively placing them in Cooper’s shoes.
Josh Hartnett’s portrayal in Trap is a revelation. While Cooper bears resemblance to cinematic serial killers like Norman Bates and Patrick Bateman, Hartnett infuses the role with his own charisma. His ability to seamlessly shift between an amiable persona and a calculating mindset adds depth to the character. Hartnett’s chemistry with newcomer Ariel Donaghue, who delivers a compelling performance, feels genuine and heartfelt.
Josh Hartnett in ‘Trap’ courtesy of Warner Bros.
Trap artfully maintains the focus on Cooper as the antagonist, yet it doesn’t shy away from injecting dark humor into the narrative. Observing Cooper navigate each step of his escape plan may evoke moments of ironic amusement, wondering if he can truly evade capture. The film encourages viewers to sympathize with the antagonist, adding a layer of twisted enjoyment as Cooper’s facade unravels to reveal the dark truth beneath. The interactions between Josh Hartnett and Saleka Shyamalan offer a delightful blend of genres, characteristic of Shyamalan’s storytelling.
While some viewers may find Trap veering off course during moments exploring Cooper’s psychology, particularly in his interactions with his wife Rachel Adams (Allison Pill), Hartnett’s performance, while intense, may border on being excessive. As Cooper’s dual identities clash, Shyamalan delves into the theme of concealing one’s darkness behind familial duty, presenting a thought-provoking narrative. However, the dynamic between Cooper and his daughter takes a backseat as the screenplay delves further into the mind of a disturbed individual. This choice may polarize audiences, making the film intriguing for some and overwhelming for others.
Whether you’re a fan of M. Night Shyamalan or not, Trap promises a gripping experience that may have you gripping the theater armrests a little too tightly. With its intense suspense, clever framing, and dark humor, all anchored by Josh Hartnett’s standout performance and Shyamalan’s skilled direction, Trap is a film that captivates from start to finish. While being stuck at a concert with a serial killer is far from ideal, watching Shyamalan’s latest work unfold is an experience not to be missed.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Trap hits theaters on August 2!
Release Date: August 2, 2024!
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan.
Written by M. Night Shyamalan.
Produced by Ashwin Rajan, Marc Bienstock, & M. Night Shyamalan.
Executive Producer: Steven Schneider.
Main Cast: Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Shyamalan, Hayley Mills, Alison Pill, Lochland Miller, Marnie McPhail, Jonathan Langdon, Tim Russ, Vanessa Smythe, Kid Cudi, & Hailey Summer.
Cinematographer: Sayombhu Mukdeeprom.
Composer: Herdís Stefánsdóttir.
Production Companies: Blinding Edge Pictures.
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures.
Runtime: 105 minutes.
Rated PG-13.
FAQs
Q: Is Trap a standalone movie or part of a series?
A: Trap is a standalone film directed by M. Night Shyamalan, offering a unique narrative separate from his previous works.
Q: What genre does Trap fall under?
A: Trap combines elements of psychological thriller, dark comedy, and suspense, showcasing Shyamalan’s versatility as a filmmaker.
Q: Who are the main leads in Trap?
A: The film stars Josh Hartnett as Cooper Adams and Ariel Donaghue as his daughter Riley, delivering captivating performances that drive the narrative forward.
Q: How does Trap differentiate itself from typical thriller films?
A: Trap stands out for its intricate storytelling, immersive cinematography, and the dynamic performance of Josh Hartnett, offering a fresh take on the thriller genre.
Credit: discussingfilm.net
