M. Night Shyamalan’s latest thriller, *Trap*, thrusts audiences into a high-stakes scenario reminiscent of the tension found in Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Picture this: a packed Philadelphia arena, where a father and his daughter are attending a concert by the enigmatic pop star, Lady Raven, played by Saleka Shyamalan. Unlike a typical concert, Lady Raven’s performance features frequent breaks, creating numerous opportunities for fans to exit their seats. This setup might seem harmless, but it becomes a crucial element in Shyamalan’s chilling narrative.
Josh Hartnett stars as Cooper Adams, the father who is less enthralled by the show and more concerned about his family’s safety. His character is on edge from the beginning, and it quickly becomes apparent that Cooper has a personal agenda beyond enjoying the concert. He engages with the merch guy, acquires a fake ID, and infiltrates the employee lounge, only to discover a plan to capture a serial killer known as “The Butcher.” The presence of such a menacing figure at an afternoon concert is puzzling, but it reduces the number of potential suspects as the search progresses.
The film builds suspense early on, hinting that Cooper may have ulterior motives. His frequent, suspicious behavior and evasive interactions with his daughter Riley, played by Ariel Donoghue, suggest there’s more to his character than meets the eye. The tension escalates as Hayley Mills makes an appearance as an expert on serial killers, offering cryptic advice and later becoming a pivotal figure in the movie’s climax.
Shyamalan’s screenplay is not without its flaws, featuring several plot holes that can undermine the suspense. For instance, Riley’s opportunity to perform on stage as the “Dreamer Girl” introduces a twist that could alter Cooper’s plans significantly if she hadn’t been chosen. Additionally, Cooper’s intrusion into Lady Raven’s personal space, including a private moment in her dressing room, strains credibility given the typical security measures at such high-profile events.
Despite these inconsistencies, *Trap* succeeds in maintaining suspense for a significant portion of its runtime. As the narrative progresses towards its climax, the film adopts a familiar horror trope, reminiscent of the “Scream” series, though lacking the originality of Shyamalan’s earlier work. Hartnett’s performance is commendable; he navigates between a protective father and a potentially sinister figure with skill. His portrayal adds depth to the character, even if the film’s ending falls short of the groundbreaking impact of Shyamalan’s *The Sixth Sense*.
On a different note, Saleka Shyamalan’s portrayal of Lady Raven is a highlight. She penned the songs featured in the film and delivers a performance that captures the essence of a Taylor Swift-like star. Her presence adds a layer of authenticity to the concert setting and hints at her potential as a chart-topping artist if given the right push.
In conclusion, *Trap* offers a gripping premise and a suspenseful build-up, although it falters somewhat as it reaches its finale. While it may not reach the heights of Shyamalan’s earlier successes, it remains an engaging watch with solid performances and a unique setting that keeps the audience guessing until the very end.
