Few filmmakers catch the industry breaks that M. Night Shyamalan has throughout his filmmaking career. With more stinkers than gems on his resume, the guy was practically run out of Hollywood years ago. Following that unbelievably fruitless string of terrible films beginning with 2006’s abysmal Lady in the Water, followed by The Happening, The Last Airbender and After Earth, it seemed inevitable we had seen the last of him. In fact, those last two films often pop up on lists of the worst movies of all time. But, like a bad penny the guy keeps showing back up.
And here we are at the tail end of a career revival with Shyamalan's latest thriller, Trap, which attempts to recapture the magic of his earlier successes like The Sixth Sense, Signs, and Unbreakable. But alas, here we go again with a film that falls short in almost every regard.
That’s not entirely accurate though, as Trap does occasionally show sparks of hope with some genuine tension, a brooding intensity, and a fantastic performance from his leading man, Josh Hartnett. Speaking of leading men (and women), Shyamalan films used to draw such A-listers as Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis, Robin Wright, Mel Gibson, Adrien Brody, Sigourney Weaver, and Mark Wahlberg - often, two or three in the same film. These days we get one second or third tier star.
Trap promises a gripping narrative with its eerie ambiance and tense score. And there are moments where Shyamalan's skill as a director shines through the ridiculousness of his screenwriting, particularly in his ability to create an unsettling atmosphere. However, these glimpses of brilliance are few and far between, overshadowed by a plot riddled with unbelievable coincidences and baffling narrative decisions.
The plot centers around Cooper (Josh Hartnett), a dedicated father to his young daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue, TV’s "Wolf Like Me”), and husband to Rachel (Alison Pill, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World). Their seemingly idyllic life unravels when Cooper takes his daughter Riley to a Lady Raven concert (Shyamalan’s daughter Saleka).
At first, Cooper is just a silly and goofy dad as he awkwardly tries to endear himself to his daughter who is over the moon with their floor seats. Tension begins to ratchet up, however, as we notice Cooper paying particularly close attention to the extreme police presence at the show. We eventually learn that the concert is actually a trap to catch a serial killer known as “The Butcher” who authorities know will be in attendance. How do they know the killer will be in the audience? Well, that is never fully explained and we are asked to just go with it.
The family is thrust into a perilous game of survival, where trust is a luxury they can no longer afford. As they confront hidden truths and long-buried betrayals, Cooper and Rachel must grapple with the question of whether to turn on each other to protect their own interests or to stand united for the sake of their daughter.
Also starring Hayley Mills (yes, that Hayley Mills), Tim Russ, and Kid Cudi, Trap explores the fragility of family bonds and the lengths to which one will go to protect loved ones, all while delivering Shyamalan's signature twists and psychological tension.
However, Trap is yet another disappointing effort from a director who once redefined the thriller genre. While it has moments of potential, the film ultimately succumbs to its own flawed execution. Fans of Shyamalan's earlier work will find themselves yearning for the days when his films offered genuine suspense and intrigue.
MPAA Rating: PG-13.
Runtime: 115 mins
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Writer: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Josh Hartnett; Hayley Mills; Alison Pill
Genre: Thriller | Crime | Mystery
Tagline: 30,000 Fans. 300 Cops. 1 Serial Killer. No Escape.
Memorable Movie Quote: "What's with all the police trucks outside and the cameras everywhere, Jamie?"
Theatrical Distributor: Warner brothers
Official Site:
Release Date: August 2, 2024
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: A father and his teen daughter attend a pop concert only to realize they've entered the center of a dark and sinister event.
