Trap
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5)
Filmmaking has become a family affair in M. Night Shyamalan’s home. His daughter, Ishana Night Shyamalan, made her debut as a director with the quiet release early in the year of the suspense thriller The Watchers. Then, the family patriarch delivered this season’s psychological thriller, Trap, with Saleka Shyamalan starring as the pop star Lady Raven and writing all of the music for the film. Time will tell if this generation of Shyamalans will take Hollywood by storm to the degree of their father.
Philadelphia is the backdrop for this fascinating concept of a rock concert being the trap of the city’s current serial killer. Unbeknownst to Cooper (Josh Hartnett) and Riley (Ariel Donoghue) Adams, they merely go to the Lady Raven event to celebrate Riley’s sound report card. As a father/daughter day, this looks like the ideal setting for fun and connection for the pair. Until Cooper is made aware of the heightened venue security. He enquires about the strong police presence and is told that the concert is a dragnet for law enforcement who hope to capture The Butcher. The killer has remained at bay after over 25 dismemberment murders that have left the city in terror. News rattles Cooper since he is the man the police are there to capture.
One of the defining characteristics of M. Night Shyamalan’s filmography is that he is at his best when he gets to keep audiences guessing where he is taking them on their cinematic journey. The celebrated filmmaker has taken from the Hitchcockian shell game, which can sometimes be brilliant. At the same time, some of his stories can feel somewhat contrived. Trap sits squarely in the middle of these two examples, harbouring moments of inventiveness that cut a fine line with forced narrative manipulation. Josh Hartnett delivers the tension needed as a man who’s two worlds are unexpectedly colliding and as the hunted animal who does all he can to evade capture. His performance is supported by exemplary aching from Ariel Donoghue as his daughter, who is unaware of what is occurring around her.
What makes a concept like this work is its plausibility; as the story progresses, things become more contrived. Saleka Shyamalan is convincing as the pop star. Still, the believability begins to wane when she is left to confront Cooper. Thankfully, Shyamalan stays in the realm of subtlety and shadows to keep the tension alive as opposed to overt horror. Which may not be as appealing to those looking for the gore associated with most serial killer films. Yet, the story arc is more accessible for audiences, and maybe it is the suspense thriller that people are looking for this season.
Trap may not be the best M. Night Shyamalan film. Still, this musical game of cat and mouse should entertain fans of the director and those experiencing his work for the first time. This film was a clever, engaging, and predictable tale that will keep you in your seat until the closing credits.
Reel Dialogue: What secrets do you hold onto in life?
Hidden underneath the messages of this suspense thriller is a fascinating consideration of secrets. At times, people may think that keeping secrets is critical in maintaining relationships, but what if those vital bits of information are detrimental to others? This conundrum has tested the strength of human connections throughout the ages.
Physician Luke writes about this from one of Jesus’ teachings: ‘Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.’ The Apostle Paul wrote, ‘Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbour, for we are members one of another.’
The issue of secrets moves into grey areas at times and requires discernment on the importance of keeping someone’s confidence. Yet, this film conveys the message that secrets can kill. The words of most wise teachers point to the value of transparency and truth—two solutions that truly build more robust relationships than any secret.
If you would like to discuss the topic of brotherly love, reach out to us at Third Space. We would love to chat with you about this and more.
