TRAP is a 2024 mystery thriller film written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The film is produced by Ashwin Rajan, Marc Bienstock, and M. Night Shyamalan. The executive producer is Steven Schneider. The film features performances by rising music star Saleka Shyamalan, M. Night Shyamalan’s oldest daughter.
A father and teen daughter attend a pop concert, where they realize they’re at the center of a dark and sinister event.
The cast includes Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Shyamalan, Hayley Mills, and Allison Pill.
TRAP made its debut in theaters August 2nd, courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.
The reality is that M. Night Shyamalan is one of those love him or hate him sort of writer/directors, but at the end of the day you really can’t deny his talent or just sheer willingness to craft something original that he feels will leave a lasting impact. Now as we have learned it is impossible to please everyone, but that hasn’t stopped Shyamalan from sticking to what he feels will have the most lasting impact on viewers. Although he has been busy over the years, I would argue that his best film is the 1999 horror thriller The Sixth Sense. The Unbreakable trilogy hits hard as well, and I actually enjoyed his 2021 film Old, as well as his most recent feature-film Knock at the Cabin. Neither film was perfect of course, but you really have to take the good with the bad when it comes to a M. Night Shyamalan film. So, how does TRAP hold up? Keep reading to find out!
M. Night Shyamalan’s TRAP is a testament to the director’s enduring ability to craft atmospheric suspense and intriguing plotlines. The film stars Josh Hartnett, who delivers a remarkable performance that injects the narrative with palpable intensity and emotional depth. Hartnett’s portrayal of a man caught in a perplexing and dangerous situation is nothing short of captivating, serving as the film’s beating heart and primary draw.
The story unfolds with Shyamalan’s signature style, intertwining psychological tension with unexpected twists. From the outset, viewers are pulled into a labyrinthine plot that promises much. Shyamalan masterfully builds suspense, employing his usual bag of tricks: eerie settings, enigmatic characters, and a slow-burn approach that keeps you guessing. Hartnett’s character, deeply troubled yet resilient, navigates this treacherous terrain, and his journey is both gripping and empathetic.
However, despite the compelling buildup, TRAP falters when it comes to its conclusion. The expectations for a Shyamalan film are invariably high, particularly when it comes to the ending, which many anticipate to be a mind-bending twist. Unfortunately, TRAP’s resolution feels disappointingly flat and conventional. It lacks the imaginative punch and the revelatory surprise that one hopes for from Shyamalan. The intricately woven narrative, which had so much potential, unravels in a manner that is too straightforward and predictable.
This letdown is particularly disheartening given the strength of the film’s other elements. The cinematography is hauntingly beautiful, capturing the claustrophobic essence of the protagonist’s plight. The supporting cast, though largely overshadowed by Hartnett, delivers solid performances that bolster the film’s tense atmosphere. The sound design and score are meticulously crafted, enhancing the overall mood and providing an auditory undercurrent of unease.
THE VERDICT
In the end, TRAP is a mixed bag. It showcases Shyamalan’s directorial prowess and Hartnett’s stellar acting, yet it ultimately stumbles due to a lackluster ending. It’s a film that promises much but delivers less, leaving the audience with a sense of what could have been. For those who appreciate Shyamalan’s work, TRAP is worth watching for its atmosphere and performances, but it may not leave a lasting impression.
TED TAKES RATING - 6.2/10
TRAP is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.