In the ever-turbulent world of M. Night Shyamalan, opinions about the director swing from adulation to dismissal. As Shyamalan continues his quest for cinematic redemption, his latest film, Trap, hits theaters with high expectations. Unfortunately, despite its promising beginning, Trap falters in its final act, leaving audiences with a mixed bag of thrills and disappointment.
A Promising Premise
Trap opens with an engaging setup that grabs viewers’ attention. Josh Hartnett stars as Cooper, a father who takes his daughter Riley, played by Ariel Donoghue, to a concert featuring the enigmatic pop star Lady Raven (Saleka Shyamalan). The seemingly innocuous event quickly turns sinister when it is revealed that the concert is part of an elaborate sting operation to catch a notorious serial killer known as The Butcher. In a shocking twist, it turns out that Cooper himself is The Butcher, leading to a tense game of cat and mouse between him and the authorities.
Josh Hartnett: The Film’s Bright Spot
Josh Hartnett’s performance is undoubtedly the highlight of Trap. His portrayal of Cooper is a charismatic and high-energy spectacle, particularly in the film’s first two-thirds. Hartnett’s ability to captivate and entertain is on full display, and his magnetic screen presence adds significant value to the film. He immerses himself in the role with gusto, making even the more far-fetched elements of the plot engaging.
“Josh Hartnett’s performance is undoubtedly the highlight of Trap. His portrayal of Cooper is a charismatic and high-energy spectacle.”
The early scenes of Trap shine brightly, showcasing Hartnett’s talent and the film’s potential. With its clever heist elements and engaging side characters, including Jonathan Langdon and Scott Mescudi (also known as Kid Cudi), the film initially promises a thrilling ride. Hartnett’s dynamic performance and the film’s playful energy keep viewers invested and entertained.
The Decline: Shyamalan’s Missteps
Despite its strong start, Trap begins to unravel once Cooper and Riley find themselves backstage. The final forty minutes of the film are plagued by a series of missteps that undermine the film’s initial momentum. Saleka Shyamalan, who initially shines as Lady Raven, struggles in the second half of the film. Her transition from pop star to a key player in the narrative feels forced, and her involvement leads to excessive exposition that detracts from the film’s suspense.
“The final forty minutes of the film are plagued by a series of missteps that undermine the film’s initial momentum.”
The final act is marred by clunky exposition, poor filmmaking choices, and a lack of faith in the audience’s ability to piece together the story. The film’s attempt to throw red herrings and convoluted plot twists only serves to confuse rather than intrigue. The thematic depth and narrative cohesion that Shyamalan is known for in his better works are sorely missing here, leaving Trap feeling like a missed opportunity.
A Disappointing Finale
Shyamalan’s signature style, which often weaves profound thematic elements into his films, is notably absent in Trap. While films like Old and Knock at the Cabin explored deep emotional and philosophical themes, Trap fails to deliver on this front. The father-daughter dynamic between Cooper and Riley, which could have been a poignant centerpiece, instead feels hollow and strained.
“The dialogue becomes increasingly trite as the film progresses, and the characters’ decisions often defy logic.”
The dialogue becomes increasingly trite as the film progresses, and the characters’ decisions often defy logic. Hartnett’s character, once a masterful manipulator, starts to resemble a cartoonish escape artist, making the film’s climactic moments feel more absurd than thrilling. References to classic thrillers like Psycho and Silence of the Lambs fall flat, adding to the film’s overall disappointment.
A Disheartening Letdown
Trap had the potential to be a standout thriller, bolstered by a strong performance from Josh Hartnett and an intriguing premise. However, its inability to sustain its initial momentum and the lackluster execution in the final act make it a disheartening letdown. For fans of Shyamalan, it’s a frustrating reminder of the fine line between brilliance and disappointment in his filmography.
Catch Trap in theaters starting August 2, 2024, and see if the film’s promising start is enough to outweigh its disappointing conclusion. For more updates and entertainment coverage, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
