‘Trap’ Movie Review: M Night Shyamalan Delivers Another Mixed-Bag Film; Josh Hartnett’s Thriller Doesn’t Win Over Critics

M Night Shyamalan, the man behind great thrillers like The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable and Signs, and also Lady in The Water, The Happening, Old and Glass, comes up with a new thriller in Trap. Starring Josh Hartnett in the lead, Trap revolves around a father who takes his teenage daughter to a concert and finds the venue surrounded by cops who are out to catch a killer called The Butcher. The twist, according to the trailers, is that he is that serial killer. Apart from Josh Hartnett, Trap also stars Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Shyamalan, Hayley Mills, and Alison Pill. ‘Trap’: M Night Shyamalan’s Upcoming Thriller Inspired by Real-Life Sting Operation.

Trap has released in theatres worldwide on August 2, 2024. There were no special screenings for critics anywhere, so all the reviews of the thriller came on the release day itself. Some felt this was the makers' way of trying to avoid negative reviews before release, others thought this is their measure to stop twists from leaking out beforehand. Now that Trap is out in theatres, the movie has got mixed response from reviewers. There are some who call it an enjoyable thriller, but there are also other reviews that claim Trap has not lived up to its potential.

What Critics Have to Say About M Night Shyamalan's Trap

EW says, "M Night Shyamalan's newest thriller, Trap, is perhaps his most preposterous movie yet, and that's saying a lot about the man who is never afraid to take a big swing. But there's a lot of fun waiting to be had for those willing to check any large items like scrutiny or skepticism before entering the arena."

The Hollywood Reporter says, "With so many different threads, Trap struggles to maintain its momentum. The repetitive nature of Cooper’s chase blunts the stakes and a side quest with Lady Raven ends up not feeling as significant as it should. By the end of the second act and well into the third, Trap, although stylishly directed, can’t help but lose some of its edge."

Watch the Trailer of 'Trap':

Variety says, "As the contrivances of Trap balloon into something almost grotesque in their borderline absurdity, the movie raises the question: How invested can we be in a high-concept serial killer whose emotions are no more believable than his escapes?" M Night Shyamalan Birthday Special: 5 Best Films of the Hollywood Director Ranked Per Rotten Tomatoes.

Deadline says, "On the plus side, Hartnett is all-in on making us believe he could successfully navigate two completely different lives and personas, This is a showcase for the dependable actor, just as Split was for James McAvoy. And it is good to report that it is also a showcase for the talents of Shyamalan’s musician daughter, Saleka, who convincingly portrays the fictional Lady Raven, but also wrote and performs the numerous songs during the concert."

Collider says, "As is often the case, Shyamalan once again falters with silly decisions and laughable moments that negate the tension he’s finally building up. There’s promise, but it’s soon snatched out of our grasp."

Trap is said to be inspired by Operation Flagship, a sting operation in which cops arrested wanted fugitives at the Washington convention centre. Shyamalan's daughter, Saleka, plays an important role in the film, marking her big-screen acting debut.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 02, 2024 09:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).