Without a doubt, M. Night Shyamalan has managed to up his game in the past few years. His recent work in Knock at the Cabin gave fans and critics a chilling thriller that divided viewers’ perspectives thanks to Shyamalan’s signature twist. Moreover, Shyamalan’s daughters, Ishana and Saleka, have been finding their own successes in their fields that feel like they have come full circle. Both have now been involved in horror-thrillers inspired by their father’s work, with Warner Bros. Picture’s Trap taking the baton from The Watchers.
Trap follows Cooper (Josh Hartnett), a sneaky, yet weary serial killer, and his daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue) at the biggest concert of their lives. However, Cooper begins to realize that this event was made to trap him as the police block him at every turn. Hoping to make it home free, Cooper searches to find a way out of the arena all while avoiding the cops and hiding his true intentions from everyone, including Riley.
What better way to encapsulate Trap‘s insanity than through its stand-out lead in Josh Hartnett. The Pearl Harbor star brings so much complexity in forming Cooper’s dual personalities. His facial performance and nervous expressionisms give off this weird feeling, which fits perfectly with the unnerving tone Shyamalan wants to nail. However, Hartnett also provides a more light-hearted note to Cooper by playing off the other characters in this comedically dark way in certain scenes. In a way, Cooper’s desperate cynicism works in a charming way that works for Shyamalan’s PG-13 thriller thanks to Hartnett.
The focus on Cooper is incredibly enhanced thanks to Sayombhu Mukdeeprom’s cinematography, which makes certain shots on Cooper feel really intense. There are so many side-face close-ups on Cooper just to signify his change in personality! Specific scenes can make you feel claustrophobic in those closed arena spaces or ominously distant, providing that needed terror for the film. The camera work also plays into the more action-based aspects of Trap, making it feel like it’s playing through a level of “Hitman” than anything else.
These two elements also play into the side cast’s importance, with each character having their own unique peculiarity. Ariel Donoghue gives a needed naivety and innocence as Cooper’s daughter, which adds a sweet touch. Although, this is especially given with Saleka’s Lady Raven, who takes great priority later on. As a singer, Saleka did a great job creating the songs Trap uses, with one particularly shining with greater meaning. Though spoilers will be spared here, Saleka’s performance as the musical superstar works for the most part. However, it’s when the film’s story comes into light where things get classic Shyamalan.
Trap‘s inspired story mostly focuses on Cooper’s escape as he tries and fails to find ways. The whole arena is surrounded and those who are searching for him get close, but never moreso to fully get to him. All the while, Cooper is struggling from some inner demons that are influencing his murderous strife. It’s an interesting idea to build off as the stakes increase with each failed attempt, but the intertwining of these aspects of Cooper’s storyline felt a little forced. This is more apparent as the film goes past its mid-point as the perspective turns over to Lady Raven.
The antagonist-to-protagonist perspective change was a pretty interesting choice for Shyamalan. By placing Lady Raven front and center in that half, Trap gives that factor of sympathy that wasn’t present with Cooper’s perspective. Again, without getting into much detail, the turn to Lady Raven serves as a bridge between the two ends of Cooper’s storylines as his family and “hobby” inevitably collide. This is also where the action pops out as every step that’s taken closer to stopping Cooper just narrowly increases the tension. Although, when that Shyamalan twist hits, it can feel like a huge exposition bombshell that may feel overwhelming.
Trap mostly fires on all cylinders, but at some points, it can take a misstep or two. The dialogue, especially past the second half, may feel oddly written for specifically tense scenes. Secondly, there are some moments that feel like exposition dumps, with characters over-explaining what the “Butcher” can do or has planned. Moreover, with the action, it does have the thrill of a film like Halloween. Unfortunately, with its PG-13 rating, there are no actual kills and the most gory thing that this film might have comes through the eyes. However, the comedic bits with Cooper’s desperation and the unknowing workers mostly remedy these problems.
Trap proves that M. Night Shyamalan can work with bigger ideas through this inspired thriller even if it has the pitfalls of the usual Shyamalan film. It has a unique take where it feels like it’s a blend of “Hitman meets Halloween” albeit with a mysterious flair. With its intriguing story, great performances, and fun bops from Saleka, Trap serves as another good addition to Shyamalan’s winding list of thrillers.
Trap releases in theaters on August 2.
