A Disappointing Journey Through Terror: Why Shyamalan’s Latest Film “Trap” Fails to Captivate Audiences
M. Night Shyamalan, once revered as the master of psychological horror, has surprised viewers with his latest film, “Trap,” which ultimately leaves audiences feeling let down. The story begins with a seemingly simple premise: a busy middle-aged father takes his teenage daughter to see her idol, pop sensation Lady Raven. However, the father’s strange behavior soon unravels a chilling secret.
Unmasking the Serial Killer
The truth comes to light sooner than expected. This father is none other than “The Butcher,” a notorious serial killer on the FBI’s radar. An elaborate sting operation is set in motion at the concert, where The Butcher is believed to make an appearance, setting the stage for a gripping confrontation between him and law enforcement.
Premature Revelations: When Shyamalan Runs Out of Tricks
In “Trap,” Shyamalan takes an unexpected turn by revealing the antagonist’s identity right from the start, breaking away from his successful formula of surprising plot twists. The film opens with what seems like everyday moments, but subtle signs of unrest lurk beneath the surface. Shaky camera angles, garish neon colors, and the peculiar behavior of Cooper (played by Josh Hartnett) hint at the unfolding horror.
However, just when viewers anticipate groundbreaking twists akin to those in The Sixth Sense or Split, “Trap” struggles to maintain suspense. Lacking the layered surprises that once left audiences gasping, the film devolves into a mere cat-and-mouse chase between the FBI and The Butcher, with the killer’s improvised tactics feeling disappointingly simplistic.
Josh Hartnett’s Performance: The Film’s Bright Spot
Despite its shortcomings in plot and script, Josh Hartnett shines as the standout performer, single-handedly carrying the film. His portrayal of Cooper—a seemingly model father concealing a cold-blooded killer—is executed with finesse. Hartnett masterfully conveys subtle psychological shifts, from piercing glares to composure in perilous situations, captivating the audience’s attention.
Haunting and Dramatic Soundtrack
The score in “Trap” also plays a pivotal role in sustaining viewer engagement. Songs performed by Shyamalan’s daughter, Saleka, are seamlessly woven into Cooper’s psychological arc. As The Butcher grows more desperate, the music heightens in tension, amplifying the film’s dramatic stakes. However, Saleka’s performance as Lady Raven lacks the depth required for her character, falling short of making a significant impact.
“Trap” fails to measure up to M. Night Shyamalan’s earlier masterpieces. Although it features a few fleeting moments of brilliance, the film lacks the intricacy and surprises that have become synonymous with the director’s work. Nevertheless, Josh Hartnett’s stellar performance and Saleka’s intriguing musical contributions provide “Trap” with some redeeming qualities.
In light of this setback, Shyamalan appears to have put himself in a difficult position, as audience expectations for those signature “plot twists” remain unfulfilled.
