Inspired by the real-life Operation Flagship Sting, Shyamalan weaves a tale that's part thriller, part character study, and all kinds of unsettling. Let's talk about Josh Hartnett, because this is his movie. As Cooper, he's terrifying, magnetic, and surprisingly human.
Hartnett nails the duality of being a caring father and a cold-blooded killer. His performance keeps you glued to the screen, even when the story itself falters. There are moments where you almost root for him to get away.
That's the power of Hartnett's nuanced acting. He's not just a villain, he's a character you're compelled to understand, even if you despise him. If there's one thing Trapp excels at, it's the visuals.
Cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdipram, known for his lush, atmospheric style, delivers a masterclass in tension and mood. From the claustrophobic basement scenes to the vibrant concert sequences, every frame is carefully crafted to pull you into Cooper's fractured world. Those concert scenes? Stunning.
The lighting team deserves a standing ovation for creating a stark contrast between the high-energy performances and the dark, suspenseful undertones of the story. It's this visual language that elevates Trap beyond your standard thriller. Music isn't just background noise in Trap, it's a core part of the experience.
Hurt is Stefan's daughter's haunting score sets the perfect tone, building suspense in all the right moments. But it's Suleikha Shyamalan, M. Night's daughter, who truly shines. As Lady Raven, Suleikha not only acts but also sings her own songs, lending authenticity to the concert scenes.
Her voice is soulful, her presence magnetic, and her songs tie beautifully into the film's themes. Sure, you could call it nepotism, but when the result is this good, who's complaining? The supporting cast is a mixed bag. Hayley Mills stands out as the relentless FBI profiler, though her character's dialogue feels disjointed at times.
And then there's Jonathan Langdon, who steals every scene he's in as an overly friendly shirt vendor. His humor is a welcome break from the film's darker moments. Fans of Shyamalan will also enjoy the cameos.
Kid Cootie, Russ, and Shyamalan himself, as Lady Raven's uncle, all make appearances that add to the film's quirky charm. Now let's address the elephant in the room. Trapp isn't perfect.
The writing, especially in the second half, struggles to maintain the momentum of the gripping first act. Dialogue for some characters, particularly the FBI profiler, feels clunky and out of sync. And the pacing? While the first 45 minutes are nail-bitingly intense, the story loses focus as it shifts from Cooper to Lady Raven.
This sideline detour leaves some key arcs underdeveloped, which can be frustrating for viewers expecting a tighter narrative. Shyamalan is known for his mind-blowing twists, but Trap opts for a more predictable, safe ending. It's not bad, it ties up the story, but it lacks the punch we've come to expect from his films.
A riskier, more daring twist could have elevated the movie to greatness. Here's the bottom line. Trap is a flawed but fascinating thriller.
Josh Hartnett's performance is phenomenal, the visuals are breathtaking, and the music is unforgettable. But the uneven writing and missed opportunities in the ending hold it back from being a true masterpiece. My rating on this film would be 6.5 out of 10.
Worth watching for the performances and style, but don't expect perfection. If you're a fan of Shyamalan's style, psychological thrillers, or simply want to see Josh Hartnett at his best, Trap is worth your time. Just don't go in expecting perfection.
What did you think of Trap? Did the twist work for you? Were you as blown away by Hartnett as I was? Let me know in the comments below.