What’s It About
In M. Night Shyamalan’s latest outing, everyone in a large city is in a frenzy.
Why? That’s because they’re up and ready to watch a concert performed by famous
pop star Lady Raven. Two of her fans, a man named Cooper and his daughter
Riley, attend the concert with high spirits, but things slowly begin to change
their tune. Amongst the screams of adoration and sounds of applause, the
concert itself has a hidden identity: a front to fish out an infamous serial
killer, The Butcher. With security cameras rigged, armies of policemen with
weapons at the ready, and police vehicles surrounding the venue, will anyone
survive their concert experience, or is there more to The Butcher than meets
the eye?
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
When I saw this film, the main character, played by Josh Hartnett, had the look and mannerisms of Jerry O’Connell. So much so that I wished he had played the part instead. I couldn’t help but feel that including Jerry O’Connell would have significantly enhanced the film. His presence would have provided a cue not to take the rather far-fetched plot too seriously. However, I must admit that the movie exceeded my expectations, especially considering it was a creation of M. Night Shyamalan, known for his notorious missteps. Regarding the main actors, Josh Hartnett’s portrayal of a serial killer seemed ill-fitting for someone who typically embodies victim-like characters. Similarly, despite her extensive experience on the small screen, Ariel Donoghue felt somewhat out of place in this particular role. When combined with Shyamalan’s distinctive film style, the result was nothing more than a mediocre production at best. The premise of ‘Trap’ was described as akin to a scenario where ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ unfolds within a pop concert. The involvement of M. Night’s own daughter, Saleka, as Lady Raven, a pop sensation, came across as a shameless promotional stunt. It’s apparent that major studios are now reluctant to entrust M. Night Shyamalan with substantial budgets, as evidenced by the absence of A-list actors in his recent works. Let’s delve into the intricacies of ‘Trap’. The thriller chronicles the experiences of Cooper (portrayed by Josh Hartnett) and his daughter, Riley (played by Ariel Donoghue), as they attend a concert headlined by Riley’s idol, Lady Raven (portrayed by Saleka Shyamalan). While Riley revels in the aura of Lady Raven, Cooper cannot ignore the unusually heavy police presence at the concert. Establishing an alliance with a friendly vendor named Jamie (portrayed by Jonathan Langdon), Cooper uncovers the fact that the police have orchestrated the concert as bait for a notorious serial killer known as “The Butcher,” unaware that he himself is the target. As the film unfolds, we witness Cooper’s desperate attempts to evade a meticulously planned police dragnet spearheaded by the profiler Dr. Josephine Grant (portrayed by Hayley Mills). Cooper’s schemes become increasingly frantic, with seemingly no way out without endangering his daughter and others. An intriguing departure from Shyamalan’s conventions is evident in ‘Trap.’ Rather than building towards a late, dramatic revelation, the “twist” is revealed early in the narrative (and in the trailers), compelling the audience to grapple with the complex duality of the protagonist: a loving father and a heinous murderer. Shyamalan masterfully portrays both facets of Cooper’s character, depicting him as a conflicted figure teetering between familial devotion and monstrous depravity. Viewers will undoubtedly find ‘Trap’ to be an enthralling experience. While the film’s overall narrative may be somewhat inconsistent, the intricacies of Cooper’s machinations serve as a compelling focal point. Nevertheless, certain elements of the plot border on the absurd, particularly when Cooper gains access to a police radio and eavesdrops on Dr. Grant’s expository dialogues. Furthermore, the script at times feels disjointed, with Cooper engaging in conversations that seem frivolous and convoluted, often relying on implausible plot devices. Despite its flaws, ‘Trap’ has its merits, ensuring audiences remain engaged throughout, even as the experience becomes increasingly over-the-top. Ultimately, ‘Trap’ culminates as a guilty pleasure filled with thrills and entertainment.
OUR RATING – A DISSOCIATIVE 5
MEDIA
- Genre – Thriller
- Street date
- Digital – August 30, 2024
- 4K/Blu-Ray/DVD – November 5, 2024
- Video – 1080p
- Screen size – 1.85:1
- Sound – English: Dolby Atmos
- Subtitles – English SDH, French, Spanish
Extras
- Setting the Trap: A New M. Night Shayamalan Experience
- Saleka as Lady Raven
- Deleted Scenes
- Cooper Gets Stopped by SWAT
- Riley Shows Lady Raven Her Room
- Cooper Takes a Hostage and Slips Away
- Extended Concert Scene: Where Did She Go