“Trap” (2024) written & directed by M. Night Shyamalan, starring Josh Hartnett / Z-View

Trap (2024)

Director:  M. Night Shyamalan

Screenplay: M. Night Shyamalan 

Stars: Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Shyamalan, Alison Pill, Marcia Bennett, M. Night Shyamalan, Lochlan Miller and Hayley Mills.

Tagline:  30,000 fans. 300 cops. 1 serial killer. No escape.

The Plot…

From all appearances Cooper (Harnett) is a great guy.  He’s a firefighter, outgoing and friendly.  Cooper is married with two kids.  A real family man.

Because his daughter, Riley (Donoghue) earned great grades on her last report card, Cooper takes her to a Lady Raven (S, Shyamalan) concert.  As they enter the arena, Cooper notices a huge police presence.  When they get inside, there are even more cops.  They seem to be everywhere.  Well, safety should be a priority for events this well attended.

Once the concert starts, Cooper notices men are being escorted out by the police.  Now curious and concerned, Cooper tells his daughter he’s going to the restroom.  Then using his charm, Cooper learns a secret.  The police are there because they got a lead that the serial killer known as The Butcher is in attendance.  Every exit is covered.  Police and FBI are there in force.  They have a description of The Butcher and anyone fitting it, will be questioned before he is allowed out.

Cooper is concerned.  Not because a serial killer is at the concert.  No.  Cooper is concerned because he is The Butcher.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Saleka Shyamalan makes her film debut.  She is M. Night Shyamalan’s daughter and a singer/songwriter.  Saleka wrote and performed all of the songs in the movie.  The official Trap movie soundtrack is titled Lady Raven and features all of the songs from the movie.

The concert feels real.  Kudos to M. Night, Saleka and all involved.

Some aspects come off as very contrived, but M. Night Shyamalan is adept at keeping things moving.  This way viewers go with the flow.  I was expecting Cooper to get caught or escape then fade to credits.  M. Night Shyamalan had a different idea.  There’s no big twist (as in some of his films) but there are some unexpected turns.  I enjoyed the ride.

Trap (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.