Imagine being trapped at a concert with a serial killer. Terrifying, right? Now, flip the script: what if it’s the murderer who’s trapped instead? That’s the premise of “Trap”, the latest from Oscar-nominated filmmaker M Night Shyamalan.
Shyamalan skyrocketed to fame with “The Sixth Sense”, the second-highest-grossing film of 1999. However, the success of that early blockbuster became a double-edged sword, casting a long shadow over his subsequent work.
In recent years, Shyamalan has been slowly rebuilding his reputation with a series of smaller-scale films – some hits, some misses.
Known for his signature twists, the 54-year-old director takes a different approach with “Trap”. This might be his most straightforward thriller yet, and it even reveals – as early on as in the first trailer! – that the main character, Cooper (Josh Hartnett), is a serial killer known as The Butcher.
The twist? He’s at a concert with his daughter Riley (Ariel Donaghue), while the authorities, tipped off to his presence but not his identity, scramble to ensure there’s no escape.
So, does Shyamalan’s approach of ditching the major reveal in “Trap” pay off, or should you skip the cinema and revisit his earlier classics on DVD?
Honestly, it’s refreshing that viewers are clued in early on about Cooper – it’s almost as if Shyamalan is weary of the highly anticipated twist that often overshadows his stories.
As with many of his films, the concept here is intriguing and original. From the start, viewers are immersed in a realistic concert experience by a pop star named Lady Raven – portrayed by Shyamalan’s own daughter, Saleka Shyamalan!
Much of the film’s first half focuses on Cooper’s attempts to escape the police ring surrounding the venue. His continual manoeuvres through the elaborate trap set for him are fascinating and keep the tension alive.
Indeed, “Trap” masterfully toys with viewers’ consciences by showcasing Hartnett as both a serial killer with a victim locked in a basement, and a genuinely devoted father who just wants to make his daughter’s concert experience special. At times, you might even find yourself rooting for the killer’s escape.
In this role, the “Pearl Harbor” and “Oppenheimer” actor excels. With no background details, flashbacks, or scenes of murderous rage to draw on, Hartnett relies solely on his performance to convey the character’s dark side.
The stark contrast between his portrayal of a loving dad and the cunning, near-genius-level serial killer is chilling.
“Trap” doesn’t immediately announce itself as a Shyamalan effort – there’s no supernatural spin or spiritual undertones as in “Knock at the Cabin” or many of his other works.
Yet, while this isn’t a super scary movie by any means, it maintains a steady undercurrent of anxiety, offering just enough suspense to keep viewers glued to their seats.
In fact, “Trap” has its comedic moments, thanks to quirky supporting characters like a man who hilariously spills the beans behind the police’s plan to the serial killer without even realising who he’s talking to!
Nevertheless, the film carries Shyamalan’s signature psychological depth, with subtle hints of childhood trauma behind Cooper’s motives. And while the proceedings unfold slowly, which might make you shift in your seat, seasoned Shyamalan fans will recognise his preference for slow-burn suspense.
Thankfully, things truly intensify and become edge-of-your-seat gripping in the second half, which – spoiler alert! – moves beyond the concert setting. The last-minute escapes and unexpected twists will make you gasp.
All in all, “Trap” may not be Shymalan’s grand comeback or the year’s most memorable movie, but it delivers enough intrigue to warrant a watch.
As of press time, ‘Trap’ is screening in cinemas nationwide.