Key Takeaways:
– ‘Trap', the latest film directed by M. Night Shyamalan, shows promise but falls short due to inconsistent storytelling.
– The film stars Josh Hartnett who delivers an engaging performance despite the film's shortcomings.
– Saleka Shyamalan's performance becomes a point of weakness for the film, especially in the second half.
– The thriller's attempt at incorporating references falls flat and uncovers a lack of originality.
Engaging Beginning and Middle Act
‘Trap' is the newest addition to the array of films by the much-debated director, M. Night Shyamalan. Known for his unconventional career path and controversial reputation, Shyamalan continues to create intriguing content that keeps his followers on their toes.
The plot revolves around Cooper, played by Josh Hartnett, who finds himself caught in a situation he never expected. When Cooper takes his daughter, Riley, to a concert, they land amidst an FBI operation targeting a serial killer known as ‘The Butcher.' As it turns out, Cooper himself is ‘The Butcher', which fuels an ensuing game of cat and mouse with the police.
What makes ‘Trap' engaging in its initial stage is the performance by Hartnett. His captivating charm and energy become the fulcrum of the movie, providing it with a zest that commands attention. The thriller keeps viewers engaged through its unique storyline and intriguing turns while also inducing elements of humor and improvisation.
A Sudden Downfall
Despite its strong opening, ‘Trap' loses its momentum past the mid-point, leading to an underwhelming end. This shift begins when Cooper and Riley end up backstage, where the narrative derails from its initially promising trajectory.
The film's weaknesses become oddly visible, with the character of Lady Raven, played by Saleka Shyamalan, contributing greatly to the downfall. Her exceptional delivery as a pop star in the film's first half is overshadowed by the demanding role she assumes in the second. The assignment of unnecessary exposition to her character not only dampens her potential but also bogs down the storyline.
The film continues to disappoint with poorly executed scenes, red herrings thrown haphazardly, and threadbare themes. Furthermore, claims of the film incorporating references from ‘Psycho' and ‘Silence of the Lambs' become a misguided attempt that does not add value to the storyline.
Reflection on ‘Trap'
While the film promises an intriguing father-daughter story, this becomes lost in the disjointed narrative and a rush of unfulfilled metaphors. Though Hartnett remains excellent throughout the film, his performance is overshadowed by poorly conceived characters and a downward spiraling storyline.
Shyamalan's attempt at creating a thrilling narrative with ‘Trap' ultimately falls flat, disappointing his avid fans who expected it to echo his previous successes. The film's underwhelming finish stands as a stark contrast to its promising beginning, leading to unexpected criticism of its execution and narrative logic.
Despite its flaws, ‘Trap' reminds us of Shyamalan's undeniable abilities to create engaging content, an aspect he needs to harness to overcome the film's shortcomings. The director's fans will undoubtedly await his next film, hoping it will be a return to the captivating storytelling style M. Night Shyamalan is known for.
In conclusion, ‘Trap' serves as a case study in the importance of coherent storytelling and carefully developed characters, aspects of filmmaking Shyamalan would do well to keep at the helm of his future projects.
