“Trap” is a 2024 American psychological thriller film written, produced, and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The movie stars Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Night Shyamalan, Hayley Mills, and Alison Pill. It deals with a serial killer named Cooper Adams, who takes his daughter Riley to a concert while covertly evading a police manhunt. It premiered in New York City on July 24, 2024, and was then released nationwide by Warner Bros. Pictures on August 2, 2024. The film has grossed $25.3 million worldwide and holds mixed reviews from critics.
Plot Summary:
Cooper Adams takes his teenage daughter, Riley, to the concert of pop star Lady Raven as a reward for good grades. He sees the immense police presence around the area, and from a vendor named Jamie, he finds out that the information the FBI is going to apprehend a serial killer known as “the Butcher” tonight at this event. Ultimately, he discovers Cooper himself to be the Butcher, who has covertly been watching footage of his latest captive, Spencer, in a basement.
Cooper steals Jamie’s ID card and uses it to get into a back room where he steals a police radio. He listens to the police who are in the process of anticipating his moves so he sets up a diversion by setting off an explosion and goes to the roof where he discovers that it is an FBI profiler, Dr. Josephine Grant, who is heading the manhunt for him. Riley misinterprets her father’s actions and convinces him to stick with her during the concert. She is then selected to be Lady Raven’s “Dreamer Girl,” where she gets to go backstage, which Cooper believes is his only way out.
Leaving the concert, Cooper realizes that his escape route from the backstage exit is blocked by police. He threatens Lady Raven that he will kill Spencer if she doesn’t help him and Riley escape. She agrees but first informs the FBI’s operation and Cooper’s psychological profile to his family, which unnerves him. She later steals Cooper’s phone and broadcasts Spencer’s location to rescue Spencer. She reveals Cooper’s identity to his wife, Rachel.
As Cooper attempts to flee with Lady Raven, his family distracts him, giving her the opportunity to make good on her own getaway. The police arrive; however, Cooper gets away through a secret tunnel, dressed as a SWAT member. He then tries to make good on his getaway with Lady Raven but is forced to flee in civilian clothes since she attracts a mob.
Back home, Cooper confronts Rachel, who breaks down and admits that she suspected him of being the Butcher and called the cops. Cooper resolves to kill her and then kill himself, but Rachel convinces him to have a slice of pie. Unbeknownst to Cooper, though, the pie is drugged, so he hallucinates his mother being proud of him. Of course, this was really Dr. Grant; Cooper is tasered and taken into custody. As he is led away, he shares a tearful embrace with Riley before he secretly begins to pick his handcuffs, laughing to himself. In a mid-credits scene, Jamie discovers Cooper’s identity on the news.
Cast:
- Josh Hartnett as Cooper
- Ariel Donoghue as Riley
- Saleka Night Shyamalan as Lady Raven
- Alison Pill as Rachel
- Hayley Mills as Dr. Josephine Grant
- Jonathan Langdon as Jamie
- Mark Bacolcol as Spencer
- Kid Cudi as the Thinker
- M. Night Shyamalan as Lady Raven’s uncle
Stirring thriller tension with profound psychological depth, it dissects Cooper’s troubled relationship with his family and, more so, his own inner turmoil.
Rating & Reception
Critical Reception: “Trap” has garnered mixed to positive reviews, with critics praising Shyamalan’s ability to craft a tense, suspenseful atmosphere. Josh Hartnett’s performance has been highlighted as a standout, while the film’s twists and psychological depth have been noted as strengths. However, some viewers may find the story’s complexity and the ambiguity of certain plot points challenging.
Rating: 3.9/5
