Josh Hartnett, M. Night Shyamalan, and Saleka Unite in ‘Trap’: A Rollercoaster Thriller of Twists and Turns

M. Night Shyamalan, a name synonymous with suspense and unexpected twists, returns to the silver screen with his latest thriller, ‘Trap.’ The film, starring Josh Hartnett as a father with a dark secret and featuring Shyamalan’s daughter, Saleka, as a pop superstar, has sparked a whirlwind of reviews and discussions. Shyamalan, who has been a household name in the film industry for 25 years, is known for his ability to captivate audiences with his unique storytelling. His career can be divided into four distinct periods, each marked by significant shifts in style and reception. From his early days as an A-list visionary with hits like ‘Unbreakable’ and ‘Signs,’ to a period of decline with films such as ‘Lady in the Water’ and ‘The Happening,’ Shyamalan has seen both the heights of acclaim and the depths of criticism.

The third phase of his career saw him reinventing himself as an anonymous sci-fi filmmaker with projects like ‘The Last Airbender’ and ‘After Earth.’ However, it was the fourth period that marked a significant comeback for Shyamalan, with the release of ‘Split,’ a thriller that featured James McAvoy as a character with multiple personalities. ‘Trap’ is poised to mark a new era for Shyamalan, delving into the genre of real-time thrillers set in crowded performance arenas. The film’s premise centers around a concert designed as a trap to catch a serial killer, a high-stakes setting that promises tension and suspense.

At the heart of ‘Trap’ is a concert by a pop superstar, played by Shyamalan’s daughter, Saleka. This event serves as the backdrop for the unfolding drama, with Josh Hartnett portraying a father trying to bond with his daughter at the concert. However, it is soon revealed that Hartnett’s character is not just any father, but a notorious serial killer known as the Butcher. The authorities have set up an elaborate trap to catch the killer at the concert, but the challenge lies in identifying him among thousands of attendees. As the film progresses, it becomes increasingly contrived and unrealistic, focusing on the killer’s actions and emotions in ways that strain believability.

Josh Hartnett’s portrayal of the psychopath trying to hide his true nature is intense and uncomfortable, earning praise for its depth and nuance. He manages to pass as a normal suburban dad, making his character both dangerous and unpredictable. The film exploits the setting of an arena concert to showcase Hartnett’s ability to blend in, creating a sense of unease and tension. Saleka Shyamalan, who also wrote 14 songs for the film, plays the pop star Lady Raven, adding another layer of authenticity to the concert scenes. Despite the strong performances, some critics find the movie underdeveloped, lacking the depth and impact of Shyamalan’s earlier works like ‘The Sixth Sense’ or ‘Signs.’

Initial reviews of ‘Trap’ are mixed, with some critics praising Shyamalan’s return to form while others find it disappointing. According to some reviewers, ‘Trap’ is one of Shyamalan’s best films in years, with a cleverly straightforward plot and a noticeable influence of Hitchcockian suspense. Others believe it falls short of the filmmaker’s best work but is still far from his worst. The film is described as a popcorn movie, with a surprise turn from Josh Hartnett and a generally fun time at the theater. However, some critics note that it does not reach the level of Shyamalan’s previous successes.

One common aspect of the reviews is praise for Hartnett’s performance as the film’s lead. His nuanced portrayal of a father and killer adds a layer of complexity to the character, making him both sympathetic and terrifying. Shyamalan’s sense of humor is also noted in the film, with some critics finding it a highlight while others believe it falls flat. The film has been described as both a cleverly constructed thriller and a less involving script towards the end. Many reviewers mention the film’s twist, which some believe is not as effective as in past Shyamalan films, while others find it suspenseful and anxiety-inducing.

Despite the mixed reviews, most critics agree that ‘Trap’ is worth watching for fans of Shyamalan or those interested in the premise. Certain audiences may find it a winning excursion, but it may not win over new converts or rank among Shyamalan’s greatest efforts. Overall, ‘Trap’ is described as an exhilarating, multifaceted, and entertaining film that showcases Shyamalan’s talents. The film’s unique setting of a concert is a clever choice for a thriller, but it is not fully utilized to its potential. The cinematography focuses more on the large screens over the stage rather than the actual performer, and the editing lacks the necessary intensity for the film to work effectively.

Hartnett’s performance marks a resurgence in his career, following his recent role in ‘Oppenheimer.’ Despite the film’s flaws, his portrayal of Cooper, the serial killer, is compelling and adds a significant layer of intrigue to the story. Cooper’s character is portrayed as lucky rather than a smart genius, making unrealistic escapes from exposure. The film falls apart when it leaves the arena setting and makes increasingly nonsensical decisions. The unique energy of a concert setting is not fully utilized by Shyamalan, which could have added more depth and tension to the narrative.

The film deals with themes of pop music, suspense, and parental fear, with Lady Raven’s concert serving as a clever setting for a thriller. However, the music performed by Saleka Shyamalan, while reasonable as pop hits, does not have the same impact as other notable pop stars like Taylor Swift. The film ultimately falls short of expectations and lacks the necessary depth and creativity to truly impact viewers. Despite this, the fact that a film like ‘Trap’ was made in today’s market is commendable, as it is an original idea and not based on existing intellectual property.

Shyamalan’s ability to ramp up tension and keep audiences on the edge of their seats is praised by many critics. However, the film’s script does not give Hartnett’s character the stage he deserves, and the plot becomes more contrived and unrealistic in its second half. The authorities’ plan to single out potential suspects in the audience makes little sense, and the film relies heavily on its set-up without fully delivering on its promise. Despite these shortcomings, ‘Trap’ provides a fun and entertaining experience for audiences, especially for fans of Shyamalan and the thriller genre.

The film is rated PG-13 and has a running time of 105 minutes. It is currently in theaters worldwide, offering viewers a chance to experience Shyamalan’s latest creation on the big screen. While ‘Trap’ may not have a deeper message or impactful discussion topics, it succeeds as a popcorn movie with solid performances and a unique premise. The end credits scene hints at a possible sequel, leaving room for further exploration of the story and characters. Whether ‘Trap’ will return Shyamalan to his former glory or further distance him from it remains to be seen.

In conclusion, ‘Trap’ is a film that showcases both the strengths and weaknesses of M. Night Shyamalan’s filmmaking. With strong performances from Josh Hartnett and Saleka Shyamalan, the film offers moments of tension and suspense but ultimately falls short of the high standards set by Shyamalan’s earlier works. Despite its flaws, ‘Trap’ is an original and entertaining film that provides a fun escape for audiences. Whether it will be remembered as a standout in Shyamalan’s career or just another entry in his diverse filmography is a question that only time will answer.