Trap Review: An Unpredictable Pressure Cooker Thriller

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must say that M. Night Shyamalan has outdone himself yet again with Trap. This film is a rollercoaster ride of suspense and laughter, a perfect blend of the absurd and the captivating.

M. Night Shyamalan’s movies are finally funny with Trap, and this time, on purpose!

When you buy a ticket for a M. Night Shyamalan film, you never truly know what awaits. It could be the genius of The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, or Signs, or the somewhat amusing yet awkward The Happening and Glass. I’ve been a devoted fan for years. Even in his less successful films, he manages to convey something intriguing. Luckily, Trap is Shyamalan’s best film since Signs, providing an unparalleled and captivating cinematic journey this year.

At a fundamental level, Trap stands out as one of Shyamalan’s most straightforward films for general audiences. It’s a gripping, easy-to-understand thriller that thrives on its simplicity. The story revolves around a serial killer attempting to flee from a concert. This idea is quite complex, and viewers may need to stretch their imagination a bit. However, once you embrace the film’s unique narrative and the absurdity of the plot, you’re in for an enjoyable cinematic experience. Trap never loses sight of its identity and effectively achieves its objectives.

The story begins by presenting Josh Hartnett as Cooper Adams, a delightful father escorting his daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue) to a Lady Raven concert. In this movie, Saleka Shyamalan, the director’s daughter, takes on the role of Lady Raven. While some might argue about nepotism, Saleka demonstrates her versatile talent as both a singer and actress by creating a soundtrack that perfectly complements the film’s mood. The ambiance in this movie is truly remarkable; Shyamalan populates the stadium with extras who receive the music prior to filming, enabling them to harmoniously mimic Lady Raven’s performances on screen.

In this concert, we experience events primarily through Cooper’s eyes. As our main character, we observe details such as police officers and security cameras only when he does. M. Night Shyamalan cleverly chooses not to use close-ups of Lady Raven at the start of the concert, instead maintaining a consistent distance between the camera and the stage that mirrors Cooper’s vantage point. He moves the camera closer only when Cooper approaches the stage. Essentially, we’re following his line of sight, and when we uncover the fact that the entire concert is a trap for him, we also join him in solving the problem together.

In a playful twist, M. Night Shyamalan begins by presenting us with an awkward father trying to grasp modern slang from his teenage daughter. However, it’s later revealed that this man is actually the infamous serial killer being sought by the police. This unexpected turn takes the plot in an amusing direction, as Shyamalan skillfully balances humor and suspense. Remarkably, the film manages to be surprisingly humorous despite its dark theme. The movie employs a unique blend of dark wit that adds depth without undermining the persistent tension that permeates the entire film, ensuring both amusement and engagement for the audience.

The leading character is shrewd yet chilling, as he’s a notorious serial killer. Despite his heinous acts, it’s impossible to look away from him. His actions are always calculated and seem rational as he tirelessly seeks a means of escape. The situation seems grim for him, with constant obstacles making his predicament intriguing. You can’t help but ponder how he will find a way out. Unpredictable twists abound, leaving you guessing whether he’ll be apprehended by the law or manage to slip away unnoticed. Throughout the movie, the plot takes unexpected turns, making it an exhilarating viewing experience.

After taking a break from the spotlight following his success in films like Halloween H20, The Faculty, The Virgin Suicides, Black Hawk Down, and Pearl Harbor in the late 90s and early 00s, Hartnett has made a triumphant return to leading roles. Last year, we were thrilled to see him again in notable productions such as Operation Fortune and Oppenheimer, and now he’s fully embracing his star status. His delivery of lines can be invaluable, yet it’s always calculated. Some actors might struggle with Shyamalan’s dialogue due to its unnatural sound, but Hartnett manages to bring it to life convincingly as a serial killer pretending to be an ordinary father.

1. Donoghue delivers a captivating performance as the daughter fixated on Lady Raven. Alison Pill has her moment to excel with her limited screentime as Rachel, Cooper’s wife. Vanessa Smythe demonstrates that every role matters, enchanting us with her endearing portrayal of the tour manager. One of the film’s intriguing aspects is its unexpected twist halfway through. Marketing for the movie primarily showcases footage from the initial half, but the second part takes a completely different turn. For some viewers, this might slow down the pace of the movie. However, I found it to be where the film truly shines, as it becomes increasingly challenging to predict its course. Every time we anticipate the film’s conclusion, it continues in the most engaging manner possible.

As a cinephile with a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling and filmmaking, I must say that M. Night Shyamalan has proven himself to be one of the most intriguing directors working today. Having followed his career closely over the years, I’ve seen him take both bold risks and stumble in some instances, but with Trap, he has undoubtedly returned to form and demonstrated his exceptional talent once more.

SCORE: 8/10

According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a rating of 8 signifies “Excellent.” Although there are a few small flaws, this score implies that the artwork achieves its purpose effectively and leaves a lasting impression.

2024-08-06 00:40

SCORE: 8/10

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