Night Shyamalan’s ‘Trap’ Delivers Mild Thrills and Familiar Twists
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/3rd August 2024
Three decades into M. Night Shyamalan’s filmmaking career, his movies have garnered a mix of respect and critique, with many viewers feeling a blend of begrudging affection and critical distance. Despite past disappointments or indifferent reactions to his work, Shyamalan’s films often maintain certain appealing qualities, such as brevity, occasionally clever plot twists, and a preference for suspense over gore. His latest venture, Trap, while not his finest work, still provides a modestly entertaining experience with its own set of quirks.
Trap is not Shyamalan’s worst film, but it certainly doesn’t rank among his best. It occupies a middle ground, marked by an endearing yet somewhat goofy charm. The film stars Josh Hartnett as Cooper, a devoted father from Philadelphia who is fulfilling a promise to his daughter, Riley, played by Ariel Donoghue. As a reward for her excellent grades, Cooper is taking Riley to see her favorite pop star, Lady Raven, who is portrayed by Saleka Shyamalan, the director’s daughter. The narrative unfolds during their journey to the concert and inside the stadium, with Cooper engaging in typical dad behavior—buying a concert T-shirt and asking bemused questions about contemporary slang, like the meaning of “crispy,” which Riley explains matter-of-factly.
The plot takes a suspenseful turn when a T-shirt seller, energetically played by Jonathan Langdon, reveals that a notorious serial killer known as The Butcher has a ticket for the concert. With the stadium surrounded by police determined to apprehend the killer, the stage is set for a tense evening.
As with many Shyamalan films, the direction in Trap is competent but unremarkable. The movie follows a predictable trajectory, although there may still be a few unexpected moments along the way. Shyamalan pulls familiar cinematic levers, inserting strategic shots and character reactions to maintain suspense. While some elements, like the portrayal of a criminal’s psychology, may stretch credibility, the film’s adherence to Shyamalan’s stylistic tendencies is evident.
A notable cameo by Kid Cudi adds a touch of glamor as The Thinker, a flashy, bedazzled star. Saleka Shyamalan’s performance as Lady Raven, though visually striking with her dramatic eyelashes and silver boots, is more convincing as a pop star than as an accidental hero trying to thwart a serial killer. Hartnett, known for his engaging performances, successfully balances his role as an affectionate yet comically exaggerated father with the film’s darker themes.
One of the film’s more intriguing elements is the cameo by Hayley Mills, a former child star known for her roles in classic films like The Parent Trap. In Trap, Mills appears in a minor role as a stern criminal profiler. Her involvement, though brief, provides a unique touch of nostalgia and amusement, especially when considering her transition from light-hearted roles to handling high-tech gadgets in pursuit of a criminal.
While Trap may not redefine Shyamalan’s career, it offers a few genuine pleasures and maintains a certain appeal. The film’s modest thrills and familiar narrative twists provide an enjoyable diversion for fans of the director’s style.
