Trap: A Gripping Thriller Starring Josh Hartnett as a Serial Killer at a Concert
Trap Review 2024
Introduction
The film Trap, directed by M. Night Shyamalan and
starring Josh Hartnett, presents a gripping yet flawed narrative centered
around a father-daughter concert experience that turns sinister. Hartnett plays
Cooper, a father who takes his daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue) to see her idol,
pop sensation Lady Raven (Saleka Shyamalan). Unbeknownst to them, the concert
is a setup by the FBI to catch Cooper, who is actually a serial killer they are
hunting.
Trap Trailer
Plot Overview
The premise places the audience in the perspective of
Cooper, which creates a unique tension as viewers root for him to escape the
police trap while grappling with the reality of his heinous actions. This
duality is a central theme, as Cooper is portrayed as a caring father who tries
to maintain a facade of normalcy for his daughter amidst the chaos of the FBI's
operation.
Performance and Direction
Josh Hartnett's performance has been noted as a
highlight, effectively balancing the character's loving father persona with the
chilling reality of being a psychopath. Critics have praised his ability to
convey the character's internal conflict, although they also point out that the
film's dialogue often feels unnatural, a hallmark of Shyamalan's writing style.
Saleka Shyamalan, playing Lady Raven, adds another
layer to the film, but her acting has been critiqued as lacking depth,
particularly in the second half when her character's role expands. The film's
pacing and length, at 105 minutes, have also drawn criticism, with some
suggesting it would have worked better as a shorter narrative or even a
television episode.
Critical Reception
Overall, Trap has received mixed reviews. While the
initial setup is compelling and the first half is described as a solid
thriller, the film reportedly loses momentum as it progresses, leading to a
disappointing conclusion. Critics have expressed that Shyamalan appears to be
struggling to recapture the creative brilliance that characterized his earlier
works, with Trap being seen as a missed opportunity to explore its intriguing
premise more effectively.
Summery
Trap, directed by M. Night Shyamalan and starring Josh
Hartnett, follows a father-daughter concert experience that turns dark when the
father, Cooper, is revealed to be a serial killer. The film uniquely places the
audience in Cooper's perspective, creating tension as viewers root for his
escape from the FBI. Hartnett's performance is praised for balancing his
character's duality, though the dialogue often feels unnatural. Saleka
Shyamalan's role as Lady Raven lacks depth, particularly in the second half. While
the film starts strong, it loses momentum, leading to mixed reviews regarding
its pacing and narrative execution.
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