The Watchlist: Trap & It Ends With Us

Trap & It Ends With Us

Russ Matthews & Ben McEachen discuss the latest films from M. Night Shyamalan the worldwide literary phenomenon, It Ends With Us.

In this engaging episode of "The Watch List," host Russ Matthews joins forces with Ben McEachen from Hope 103.2 to delve into two captivating films, Trap by M. Night Shyamalan and It Ends With Us, an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. The episode kicks off with an exploration of Trap, a thriller set against a concert backdrop in Philadelphia, where a father and daughter encounter unexpected chaos due to a serial killer known as "The Butcher". They unpack the film's thematic depth and discuss its comparison to Hitchcock's work while also considering how it differs from Shyamalan's previous hits.

Transitioning to It Ends With Us, the conversation shifts to a romantic drama intertwined with a potent message about domestic violence. With Blake Lively leading the cast, the movie attempts to marry aesthetic allure with a poignant narrative. Ben and Russ discuss its effectiveness in handling such a sensitive topic while comparing its appeal to the book's vast readership.

Join the fun and send us your thoughts on both films. Have your say on their take or just drop us a comment at hopepodcast.com.au.

Film(s) Summary:

Trap: 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.

It Ends With Us: Colleen Hoover’s story is directed by and stars Justin Baldoni (Clouds) along with the central beauty, Blake Lively, who leads this love triangle in the affluent world of Massachusetts. She grew up in the home of an influential politician who secretly abused his wife and her mother. As Lily attempts to come to terms with her personal life, the aspiring botanist turns her interest to a schoolmate living rough in an abandoned house in her neighbourhood. Atlas (Alex Neustaedter/ Brandon Sklenar) left his abusive home life but still wants to complete high school. As their friendship turns to romance, the pair are eventually separated by another violent act. They lose touch for years until they happen upon one another in Boston. She has become a successful florist and is married to neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid (Baldoni). Atlas has become a celebrated restaurateur. When things turn abusive in her marriage, Lily must decide whether to leave Ryle or find solace in the arms of her high school love.

We've got a lot of ground to cover!

So many shows, so little time. At least it feels like it. Between all the different streaming platforms and the blockbuster movies coming to cinema trying to get audiences back in a post-COVID world, we are spoilt for choice on screen – and yet, still “have nothing to watch”.

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