What is 'Trap'?
*Trap* is a 2024 American psychological thriller directed, written, and produced by M. Night Shyamalan. The film stars Josh Hartnett as Cooper Abbott, a firefighter who is secretly a serial killer known as "The Butcher." The story unfolds during a pop concert where Cooper takes his teenage daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue) as a reward for her good grades. However, the FBI uses the concert to trap the killer, setting off a tense game of cat and mouse.
The film explores themes of deception, familial bonds, and morality while delivering suspenseful twists characteristic of Shyamalan’s style. Despite mixed critical reviews, *Trap* grossed $83.6 million worldwide on a $30 million budget.
Key Features of 'Trap'
- Director: M. Night Shyamalan
- Main Cast: Josh Hartnett (Cooper Abbott), Ariel Donoghue (Riley Abbott), Saleka Shyamalan (Lady Raven), Alison Pill (Rachel Abbott), Hayley Mills (Dr. Josephine Grant)
- Genre: Psychological Thriller
- Runtime: 105 minutes
- Budget: $30 million
- Box Office: $83.6 million
- Themes: Familial relationships, morality, and identity
Timeline of Recent Updates (2025)
- October 25, 2024: *Trap* becomes available for streaming on Max after its theatrical run.
- March 11, 2025: Netflix surprises fans by adding *Trap* to its U.S. catalog without prior announcement.
- March 22, 2025: Critics revisit *Trap* on its streaming platforms and highlight its subtle narrative twists.
- April 1, 2025: Reports reveal that *Trap* has sparked renewed interest in Shyamalan’s filmography among Netflix viewers.
- April 3, 2025: *Trap* trends on social media as fans discuss its ambiguous ending and layered character arcs.
Analysis of 'Trap'
*Trap* is a departure from Shyamalan’s usual supernatural themes, focusing instead on psychological tension and moral ambiguity. The film’s strengths include Josh Hartnett’s performance as Cooper Abbott—a seemingly ordinary father hiding his dark side—and the episodic structure that keeps viewers engaged with shifting perspectives.
What Works:
- The suspenseful cat-and-mouse dynamic between Cooper and the FBI.
- The layered character development of Lady Raven (Saleka Shyamalan), who becomes a pivotal figure in exposing Cooper.
- The exploration of familial relationships through Cooper’s interactions with his daughter Riley and wife Rachel.
What Doesn’t Work:
- The premise stretches believability with law enforcement using a pop concert to trap a serial killer.
- The final act feels overly convoluted with multiple climaxes that dilute the tension.
- Certain character decisions appear inconsistent or implausible.
*Trap* has been praised for its unique premise but criticized for relying heavily on coincidences and outlandish plot twists. Despite these flaws, it remains one of Shyamalan’s more entertaining films in recent years.
The Road Ahead
*Trap* continues to gain attention through its availability on streaming platforms like Netflix and Max. Its success highlights the enduring appeal of psychological thrillers with morally complex characters. As viewers dissect its themes and ambiguous ending, the film has sparked discussions about Shyamalan’s evolving storytelling style.
If you’re a fan of tense thrillers with unpredictable twists, *Trap* is worth watching for its engaging performances and unique narrative structure. However, viewers should approach it with tempered expectations regarding plausibility and pacing.