Imagine being a serial killer at a concert with your teenage daughter only to realize that the whole thing is a setup by the FBI to capture you. Now imagine being an FBI Agent at what seems to be the perfect “Trap” to capture the serial killer known as “The Butcher,” Only to end up being massively disappointed. That’s actually kind of how I feel about “Trap” (2024).
The concept is there; it’s actually incredibly intriguing. The thought of a concert being a setup to catch a murdering serial killer who is attending with his daughter is brilliant. But, intriguing plot aside, this fell flat pretty easily for M. Night Shyamalan. It sucks because I’ve always been a fan of his, and I’m a huge Josh Hartnett fan. Seeing his resurgence in film makes me happy, but he’s about the only bright spot in this.
Here’s my full new-to-streaming “Trap” 2024 movie review.
“Trap” (2024): A New-to-Streaming Review
Hartnett Couldn’t Even Save It
The film is, without a doubt, is completely saved by Hartnett’s performance. The first half, all of which takes place at the concert, is kind of a snooze fest. It’s a decent setup for the second half, but the setting, dialogue and lack of action really turned me off. I get why Shyamalan did it this way, but man, it just didn’t grab you like I think it could have.
Hartnett (“Cooper”), of course, was fantastic. He has a great knack for mixing the dad of a teenage girl role while hiding his very dark side of a serial killer. He’s quirky, brooding and convincing all in one. If it wasn’t for Hartnett, this honestly would have easily been a 1.5 to 2-star review.
The rest of the “Trap” (2024) cast was “meh” at best. Ariel Donoghue, who plays Hartnett’s Daughter, “Riley,” was OK. She was believable but just didn’t have that spark, so to speak. M. Night Shyamalan’s actual Daughter, Saleka Shyamalan, is “Lady Raven,” the performing artist of the concert. She was actually quite good, and I’ll be interested to see her future in film. Decent smaller roles for Alison Pill (Rachel) and Kid Cudi, who plays himself, are here. Still, they’re not ones to leave you with a lasting impression unless you’re talking about Cudi’s hair.
Why We Watch M. Night Shyamalan Flicks
That Shyamalan twist that we all love from him is there. However, it’s probably the most predictable one in a long time. It’s not even a big twist, to be honest. It’s just kind of there. Call me disappointed because that’s one of the main reasons I watch his films. I love the big mind fuck moment towards the end. It was in this one, but it wasn’t really anything you didn’t know was coming.
A few of Shyamalan’s camera angles were fantastic. I will say that. My favorite is by far the one in the kitchen of Hartnett’s house, dealing with a tea kettle. It’s exactly what I expected, but I needed much more of that.
Overall, it’s a letdown. “Trap” (2024) could’ve been a wild ride. More anxiety and suspense would have been the angle here that I would’ve taken. But unfortunately, it’s a clever thought of a plot that doesn’t really deliver.
You can find M. Night Shyamalan’s “Trap” (2024) on MAX.
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