“Trap” is a movie written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan starring Josh Hartnett. With Ariel Joy Donoghue, Saleka and Alison Pill.
M. Night Shyamalan’s latest cinematic endeavor introduces audiences to a unique thriller featuring a most unconventional protagonist: Josh Hartnett, portraying a psychopath and taking the lead in a thriller where the central figure is none other than the serial killer himself. Shyamalan, true to his signature style, once more reimagines traditional cinematic frameworks and crafts an exceptional film that defies Hollywood conventions, creating a masterpiece designed to astonish by upending typical genre expectations.
Plot Summary
The FBI has intel that a notorious serial killer plans to attend a pop star’s concert, prompting them to deploy a substantial operation aimed at capturing him. The killer, a seemingly ordinary family man, decides to attend the concert with his daughter, setting the stage for a high-stakes game of survival as he goes to extraordinary lengths to evade capture.
Film Details
On a technical level, Shyamalan delivers yet another marvel of production, cinematography, and scenography. The Indian-origin director embarks on an audacious mission to transform an implausible narrative into a coherent and engaging experience, leveraging unexpected twists and surprises. In essence, Shyamalan renders the impossible plausible through the magic of cinema, subverting classic narrative structures and the familiar tropes of the thriller genre.
“Trap” stands out as a film worthy of academic study for its meticulous design, precise adherence to narrative pacing, and masterful control of suspense and script rhythm. Whether its premise is deemed implausible or not, the film excels as a cinematic achievement, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in its intricacies. It requires the audience to surrender to its improbabilities, to be captivated and delightfully deceived by a film that operates almost as a satire of conventional thrillers, engaging in a relentless game of cat and mouse with the viewer on a purely cinematic level.
Our Verdict
Our admiration for Shyamalan has only deepened with this release: a thoroughly implausible thriller that satirizes the ostensible realism of other thrillers, which are equally far-fetched. This ingenious and spectacular game of deception culminates in an incredible viewing experience, reinforcing Shyamalan’s prowess as a filmmaker who continually pushes the boundaries of the genre.
