Josh Hartnett’S Stellar Performance Finally Validates His Acting Abilities

PG-13|1h 45m|Drama, Crime, Mystery, Thriller |2024

Renowned writer-director-producer M. Night Shyamalan takes a departure from his usual supernatural and horror genres, choosing instead to delve into a gripping mystery-crime thriller. Drawing inspiration from the cinematic styles of Alfred Hitchcock and Brian DePalma, this is Shyamalan’s 16th feature film.

Set in his hometown of Philadelphia, Trap unfolds over the course of a single day. The narrative is divided between an indoor concert arena and the surrounding suburbs. Shyamalan skillfully crafts a tense atmosphere, propelling the story forward with intricate twists and turns.

Cooper Adams (played by Josh Hartnett), a proud and doting father, surprises his daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue) with two premium floor seats to a sold-out show headlined by Lady Raven (portrayed by Saleka, Shyamalan’s eldest daughter). With a devoted following of excitable teen girls, Lady Raven embodies the essence of popular artists like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga.

Cooper’s curiosity leads him to strike up a conversation with a T-shirt vendor, who inadvertently discloses that heightened security measures are in place to capture The Butcher—a notorious serial killer responsible for a dozen murders. Cooper’s sharp instincts kick in and he becomes entangled in the dangerous hunt for the killer.

As the second act unfolds, the initial plot holes that seemed nonsensical are cleverly addressed by Shyamalan. The loose ends are tied up meticulously, ensuring a satisfying viewing experience.

One critique remains: the excessive focus on the Lady Raven character during the concert. Instead of incorporating snippets or brief segments of songs, Shyamalan dedicates three full-length musical performances to the character. Unfortunately, the lyrical content contributes little to the plot, often halting the narrative’s momentum. Some might argue that this decision leans towards nepotism.

It is not to say that Saleka lacks talent in singing—she possesses great vocal abilities. However, her acting skills leave much to be desired. This flaw becomes evident in the second half of the film when she shares dialogue with seasoned actors such as Hartnett, Mills, and the late-arriving Alison Pill (playing Cooper’s wife Rachel). Saleka’s performance in Trap is reminiscent of Sofia Coppola’s impact on The Godfather III.

Josh Hartnett delivers a remarkable performance as Cooper in Trap, showcasing his acting prowess. He effortlessly embodies a complex, dark character hidden beneath a facade of gentility. This standout portrayal merits recognition, possibly even an Oscar nomination.

Without spoiling the plot, it can be affirmed that good prevails over evil in this film. Cooper remains innocent of any wrongdoing, ensuring a satisfying outcome. To avoid any spoilers, further plot details will not be disclosed.

Notably absent in Trap is Shyamalan’s trademark twist ending. Unlike many of his previous works, this film refrains from surprising viewers with unexpected revelations. While Shyamalan’s inclusion of such twists has proven successful in some instances, it is refreshing to see him explore a different narrative structure in this grounded thriller.

Shyamalan has consistently enthralled audiences throughout his career, with most of his films enjoying commercial success. Even when faced with critical disappointments like The Happening, The Last Airbender, and After Earth, his dedicated fan base remains intact. It is my hope that he continues to embrace suspenseful grounded narratives, without relying on the involvement of his relatives.