M. Night Shyamalan’s New Movie ‘Trap’ Falls Flat Despite Josh Hartnett’s Strong Performance

M. Night Shyamalan has released a new thriller called ‘Trap,’ but it seems to have missed the mark. While Shyamalan is known for his twisty plots, this movie feels a bit stripped down and doesn’t quite capture the energy his other works have.

‘Trap’ revolves around a pop concert that’s set up as an elaborate trap to catch a serial killer known as Cooper, played by Josh Hartnett. The movie kicks off at a Lady Raven concert, who is portrayed by Shyamalan’s daughter, Saleka Shyamalan. The atmosphere is full of teenage excitement, but unfortunately, the film doesn’t capitalize on this thrilling setting.

As the story unfolds, we find out that Cooper is actually the killer the police are trying to catch. The authorities have surrounded the arena in hopes of finding him among the 20,000 attendees. Hartnett does a great job bringing Cooper’s character to life, but the plot quickly becomes confusing as he slips through the police’s fingers too easily.

Despite the creative concept of a concert turning deadly, the film struggles with logic. The police’s plan to identify the killer seems far-fetched, making it hard for the audience to suspend their disbelief. Hartnett’s performance is commendable, but the script fails to give him the depth and complexity that would elevate his character.

In the second half of ‘Trap,’ the story takes more twists and turns that feel more contrived than thrilling. At times, the film borders on absurdity, raising questions about how invested we can be in a character whose emotions and actions don’t make sense.

While the idea of a serial killer hiding in plain sight during a pop concert is intriguing, Shyamalan seems to have fallen short in execution. The over-the-top scenarios detract from what could have been a gripping thriller, leaving audiences wanting more.