M. Night Shyamalan's "Trap": A Convoluted Thriller That Falls Flat

Exploring M. Night Shyamalan's Latest Thriller: Trap

M. Night Shyamalan's latest film, Trap, had the potential to weave a captivating narrative around the world of concert superstars and their influence on modern culture. However, while the premise may have seemed promising, the execution ultimately fell short, leading the audience through a convoluted plot that many critics consider one of Shyamalan's weakest efforts.

The Story Behind Trap

In Trap, we meet Cooper Adams, played by Josh Hartnett, who takes his daughter Riley, portrayed by Ariel Donoghue, to a Lady Raven concert. The setting is charged with excitement as Riley idolizes the singer, who is a modern superstar in the same vein as Taylor Swift. However, unbeknownst to the audience and Riley, Cooper harbors a dark secret—he is a serial killer with a potential victim trapped in his home.

Shyamalan's Unique Twist

The film opens with a familiar Shyamalan twist, as it is revealed that the concert is, in fact, a trap set up by law enforcement to capture Cooper. This draws inspiration from the real-life Operation Flagship, a 1985 sting operation, which effectively adds a layer of societal commentary about the nature of good, evil, and the perception of threats in society.

The Flaws Within Trap

Despite its intriguing premise, Trap quickly loses momentum, leaving audiences in a state of confusion. One critique is the film's lack of believable stakes. Cooper's roundabout methods to evade capture, including his frequent trips to the merchandise table, feel forced and contrived, undermining the tension and urgency that a thriller requires.

Character Dynamics and Performances

Another area where the film falters is in character development. Hartnett's performance as Cooper lacks the charisma needed to make a more impactful connection with the audience. The relationship dynamics between Cooper and Riley appear strained, overshadowed by the outlandish situations the script places them in.

A Reflection of Some of Shyamalan's Common Themes

Shyamalan's tendency to include himself in his films can also be seen in Trap, as he makes a cameo appearance as Lady Raven's uncle. This inclusion, while humorous, detracts from the film's overall narrative focus and reinforces the sense of self-indulgence that critics have noted in some of Shyamalan's previous works.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, while Trap does present some original ideas, it suffers from foundational weaknesses that render it a less-than-thrilling experience for moviegoers. The film stands as a testament to Shyamalan's creative abilities but also highlights the challenges inherent in maintaining consistency and coherence in the storytelling. As such, Trap may resonate with dedicated fans of Shyamalan's work, but for others, it might be a case of missed opportunity.

Takeaways for Shyamalan's Future Work

• Storytelling Depth: Enhanced character arcs can lead to a more engaging experience.
• Believable Stakes: Heightening tension and suspense is critical in thriller films.
• Balanced Self-Referencing: A steady inclusion of personal elements should serve the story, not distract from it.