Featured Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Trap is a 2024 movie directed by M. Night Shyamalan featuring Josh Hartnett, who plays a significant role as Cooper. This thriller is set at a pop concert that becomes a tense battleground when police surround it to capture a serial killer.
The film stands out for its visual storytelling, showcasing Shyamalan’s skill in camera work and actor direction.
Shyamalan has had an interesting career arc, known for his highs with The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, and Signs, and lows like After Earth and The Last Airbender. His more recent works, including Old and Knock at the Cabin, are emblematic of his unique touch—films that are both entertaining and head-scratching.
Trap fits this mold with its mix of suspense and absurdity.
Josh Hartnett’s performance as Cooper is a key highlight. Over the years, Hartnett has been pushed into various roles, but it’s in films like Wrath of Man and Oppenheimer that he’s drawn attention for his acting chops.
In Trap, he switches effortlessly between a caring dad and a cold-blooded killer. The film frequently focuses on Hartnett’s expressions, keeping the audience hooked on his every move.
Visually, Trap impresses with its camera maneuvers, drawing comparisons to Spielberg and Hitchcock.
Shyamalan uses fluid camera movements to build tension and keep the audience engaged, making even mundane scenes intriguing.
The movie’s strongest moments are the ones where the camera follows Cooper as he navigates the concert’s chaotic environment, searching for ways to stay ahead of the authorities.
Shyamalan’s knack for getting the best out of his actors is evident in Trap. Josh Hartnett gives a multi-layered performance that makes the audience feel the inner turmoil of a man leading a double life.
This complex portrayal is enhanced by the camera work, which often captures Hartnett in close-up shots that reveal his character’s shifting emotions.
Trap faces some criticism for its plot development. The initial premise of a tense, one-location thriller loses steam about two-thirds into the movie when the story expands beyond the concert setting.
This shift in focus dilutes the movie’s tension and introduces characters that don’t add much to the narrative. Despite this, the film manages to maintain interest due to its visual style and Hartnett’s compelling performance.
The movie also features notable performances from a supporting cast including Hayley Mills, Alison Pill, Saleka Shyamalan, Kid Cudi, and Ariel Donoghue.
While their roles are secondary to Hartnett’s, they contribute to the movie’s overall dynamic and help flesh out the environment within which the thriller unfolds.
Trap is a film that continues Shyamalan’s tradition of crafting visually captivating movies with unique storylines. Though not without its flaws, it’s a testament to Shyamalan’s ability to blend suspense with style.
The film may not be a critical darling, but it’s an engaging watch, largely due to Hartnett’s standout performance and Shyamalan’s direction.
The movie sharpens its focus on visual storytelling, making it a treat for those who appreciate well-crafted cinema.
Shyamalan’s skill in directing actors and his ability to create tension through camera movements are clear highlights.
This film is an essential watch for fans of both Shyamalan’s work and Josh Hartnett, who delivers what may be one of his most memorable performances to date.
In essence, Trap is an absurd yet entertaining film that keeps the audience guessing and engaged through its unique blend of visual finesse and strong performances.
It’s a thriller that, while not perfect, offers enough to keep viewers invested from start to finish.
