M. Night Shyamalan’s latest thriller, Trap, tells the story of a serial killer, portrayed by Josh Hartnett, who takes his teenage daughter to a pop concert, only to discover that the event is a trap set by the police to apprehend him.
The movie begins with a promising premise, but it quickly stumbles with clunky dialogue and an awkward outset. The opening scenes are particularly challenging to sit through as many of the exchanges come across as overly cheesy, especially from Josh Hartnett’s Cooper. These initial interactions feel forced and unnatural, making it difficult for the audience to become invested in the story and characters.
As the film progresses, the plot evolves substantially, with each of its three acts feeling like a separate entity. Almost as if they could be entirely different movies. This disjointed structure opts to shine a light on different supporting cast members at each phase, making it hard to feel invested or fearful for the characters at times. It’s a movie that doesn’t always seem to know what it wants to be, and this lack of coherence affects the narrative flow and character development.
Despite these issues, Trap manages to be a fun enough Shyamalan flick, thanks in part to its unique and fresh plot. The film keeps viewers on their toes with unexpected twists and turns, ensuring that the audience remains engaged and guessing throughout. After the choppy start to the film itself, Josh Hartnett finds his groove in this role, transforming into a wonderfully deranged character who will stop at nothing to evade being caught. His performance becomes a highlight of the film, as he brings a chilling and unpredictable energy to his portrayal of “The Butcher”.
The film’s climax features a twist that, while surprising, revolves around an element that no one was probably wondering or cared about. Almost as if it was just something that they threw in there to create fuel for one final dramatic sequence.
Still, Trap has its moments. Shyamalan’s signature style and ability to create suspenseful and eerie atmospheres are evident throughout the film. The cinematography and visual storytelling are well-executed, adding to the overall mood and tension. The film also explores interesting themes related to identity, deception, and the consequences of one’s actions, which add depth to the story.
In conclusion, this is a film that showcases both the strengths and weaknesses of M. Night Shyamalan as a filmmaker. It offers a fresh plot and a standout performance by Josh Hartnett, but it is hampered by an inconsistent structure, and a lack of storytelling. While it may not rank among Shyamalan’s best works, it still provides an entertaining and intriguing experience for fans of the genre.
With a rating of 6.5 out of 10, Trap is a mixed bag that will appeal to some viewers while leaving others wanting a little bit more.
Rating: 6.5/10
