“Trap”
Written, directed and produced by: M. Night Shyamalan
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Night Shyamalan, Hayley Mills, Alison Pill
M. Night Shyamalan’s “Trap” arrives with the promise of an intriguing premise, only to squander its potential in a morass of illogical plot twists and predictable turns. Despite a strong performance from Josh Hartnett and the signature atmospheric direction that Shyamalan is known for, the film ultimately fails to deliver on its initial promise, leaving audiences frustrated and disappointed. From the outset, “Trap” seems to have all the elements of a classic Shyamalan thriller. The setup is intriguing, drawing viewers into a world where nothing is quite what it seems. Hartnett’s character is compelling, and the early scenes set the stage for what could have been a gripping narrative. However, as the movie progresses, it becomes clear that the plot is teetering on a precarious foundation. The twists, which have become a hallmark of Shyamalan’s films, are unfortunately the film’s downfall. Instead of elevating the story, they detract from it, coming across as forced and contrived. The sense of disbelief that accompanies these twists isn’t the good kind—the kind that makes you rethink everything you’ve just seen. Rather, it’s the type that leaves you shaking your head in disbelief at how far-fetched and unrealistic the events have become. At certain moments, the story veers so far from the realm of plausibility that it breaks the immersion entirely. You find yourself questioning not just the characters’ decisions, but the very logic of the world the movie is set in. Hartnett’s performance is one of the few redeeming qualities of the film. He brings a depth to his character that makes the early parts of “Trap” engaging. His portrayal is nuanced and convincing, making the audience root for him despite the increasingly ridiculous situations he finds himself in. Shyamalan’s direction, too, remains as visually compelling as ever, with a strong use of lighting and framing to build tension. However, these strengths are not enough to save the film from its fundamentally flawed narrative. By the time the credits roll, the initial intrigue has long since dissipated, replaced by a sense of frustration. What started as a promising idea devolves into a mess of improbable events and half-baked ideas. Shyamalan, a director known for his ability to blend the supernatural with the everyday in a way that feels almost believable, seems to have lost his touch here. “Trap” feels like a missed opportunity—an interesting concept that could have been great, but was instead bogged down by poor execution and a lack of coherent storytelling. In the end, “Trap” stands as one of Shyamalan’s weakest efforts. For all its potential, the movie fails to evolve in a way that satisfies, leaving viewers with little more than a sense of wasted time. Not recommended, not even for fans of Shyamalan!
♦ 4/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
