Trap (USA, 2024)
After spending the 2000s directing some truly terrible films, M. Night Shyamalan has created a consistent track record of suspenseful and engaging movies since The Visit in 2015 (except for Glass), with last year’s Knock at the Cabin standing out as the best of the bunch. Trap continues this trend, presenting a solid film with an intriguing premise that is, for the most part, well-directed, despite a few missteps.
In the film, Cooper Adams (Josh Hartnett) takes his teenage daughter, Riley, to a concert by pop star Lady Raven, only to discover that the FBI is using the event to catch a serial killer known as “the Butcher,” who is believed to be in the audience. As the night unfolds, the tension ramps up when Cooper becomes embroiled in the endeavor.
The film excels in its first act, with Shyamalan skillfully building suspense through the police’s arrival—initially barely noticeable, their presence suddenly becomes pervasive. Scenes, such as when the protagonist sees someone through the bathroom mirror, effectively raise questions and heighten tension. The choice of the Rogers Centre stadium as a location (just a few steps from my home!) provides a captivating and oppressive backdrop, offering viewers a glimpse behind the scenes while making great use of its corridors, although the movie inaccurately suggests that the stadium has a Shake Shack.
The performances are strong, with Josh Hartnett delivering perhaps his best work yet, fully committing to his character while showcasing excellent chemistry with his on-screen daughter. Jonathan Langdon shines with great comedic timing, and his scenes are among the film’s highlights. Saleka Shyamalan (the director’s daughter) and Alison Pill also deliver effective performances in their respective roles.
However, some of Shyamalan’s quirks remain, reminiscent of earlier films like Lady in the Water, where characters behave in ways that feel unrealistic. For instance, Shyamalan’s cameo provides an unintentionally hilarious moment as he explains what an uncle is, and Riley’s repeated phrase “this is so cool” when taken backstage raises eyebrows—doesn’t she know any other sentences? The third act ramps up the unintentional laughs but also sees a dip in quality as the action moves away from the stage. Thankfully, Shyamalan manages to provide a satisfying conclusion, avoiding a ridiculous last-minute twist. Overall, Trap offers enough engaging scenes and strong performances to make it a worthwhile watch—you could be trapped with far worse options.