As a film enthusiast who’s seen more than a few twists and turns in my time, I can’t help but feel a bit conflicted about M. Night Shyamalan’s latest offering, “Trap.” Now, don’t get me wrong, I’ve always been intrigued by the director’s knack for casting seemingly unlikely leads and coaxing stellar performances out of them. And Josh Hartnett, oh boy, did he deliver in this one!
Alert: Major plot revelations (or spoilers) for the movie “Trap” are present, particularly in its final act. If you’re yet to watch M. Night Shyamalan’s recent film, beware as I’m about to unveil some key details.
In M. Night Shyamalan’s 2024 film “Trap”, I could follow the plotline fairly well. Frankly, the idea of Josh Hartnett portraying a character reminiscent of Patrick Bateman at a pop concert was too intriguing to pass up. However, there’s a crucial turning point in the movie that sets the entire story in motion, and one significant decision in the second act left me with some reservations about the film’s climax.
Now, let’s dive into analyzing the points of interest in Trap’s work, and I’ll explain why it’s a must-see after you’ve covered the major ones on your list. Trust me, it’s a valuable addition to your viewing schedule.
As a curious moviegoer eagerly anticipating the release of the chilling new horror film “Trap”, I suggest you determine your viewing schedule and revisit the thrilling trailer if you wish to make an informed decision. If you’re one who prefers surprises, then it’s high time to delve into the intricate web that awaits in this movie, beginning with the gripping finale.
What Happens At The End Of Trap?
In essence, the last act of “Trap” revolves around a cat-and-mouse game of hide and seek, featuring the charismatic character Cooper Adams (played by Josh Hartnett). This intricate tale gradually reveals his family, his clandestine career as a serial killer, and his deceitful composure. Multiple times, he is cornered and apprehended, but his cunning as a sociopathic escape artist consistently helps him extricate himself from one perilous predicament to another.
Following an ingenious blackmail scheme that forced pop star Lady Raven (Saleka Shyamalan) to ensure safe passage for him and his daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue), the climax occurs when, already in FBI custody, he manages to pick the handcuffs with a spoke from his daughter’s bicycle.
Adjusting his hair with a self-amused grin, it seems as though old Cooper has managed to escape into the night, despite appearances. However, this twist, while ominously intriguing, contradicts the intended conclusion of the film, which is muddled by a series of errors that obscure its genuine ending.
Leaving The Lady Raven Concert Is The First, Most Substantial Mistake
As I watched the trailers for “Trap,” it seemed like the primary action was going to unfold at Lady Raven’s concert. I was intrigued by the prospect of following Cooper Adams, an awkward yet captivating character known as “The Butcher,” as he deftly outmaneuvers his pursuers for a substantial part of the movie. And true to form, that’s precisely what the film delivers for the initial two-thirds.
In the film, manipulating Lady Raven into deciding whether to rescue Cooper or let his next target perish was another brilliant strategy by this cunning character. At this point in the story, I found myself secretly wishing he would manage an escape, as Josh Hartnett’s exceptional performance in the role made it seem like the part was tailor-made for him.
Later, Lady Raven attempts to reverse the situation by extending an invitation to Cooper’s residence. This sets off a series of occurrences where it seems that Trap’s antagonist is forcing Lady Raven to depart, but she employs Riley’s affection as a prop to continue the narrative. Unfortunately, this complicates the last part of the film even more, as the anticipated climactic face-off between our main characters becomes convoluted due to unexpected developments.
Trap Seems To Be Confused On Just How Bad Cooper Really Is
Lady Raven finds herself trapped in the bathroom of the Adams family home because she took Cooper’s phone. Desperate to rescue Spencer (Mark Bacolcol) using social media, her pursuer pounds angrily on the bathroom door and loses control, causing a commotion with the rest of his family. When Josh Hartnett eventually opens the door, one might think he had harmed his family due to the chaotic scene.
It appears that Trap has underestimated the severity of our serial killer’s actions. While we learn about his troubled childhood and the influence of his mother who saw good in him, this supposed goodness never manifests throughout the narrative. As for the family, they are merely present outside when Cooper Adams attempts to escape with Lady Raven, seeking revenge.
Previously mentioned, the captivating villain who’s been central to our viewing experience all along is on the verge of slipping away once more! I wish to express that this movie challenges us to acknowledge the deceptive appeal that misleads us into feeling safe and secure, compelling us to confront the fact that we secretly hope Cooper will elude capture. However, there’s insufficient evidence to substantiate that interpretation, and instead, it seems to highlight the major issue with Trap’s conclusion – a problem that the finale must grapple with.
M. Night Shyamalan’s Movie Doesn’t Know Where To End
If Trap concluded with Cooper and Riley Adams resuming their journey in the car, leaving Lady Raven to ponder if she might be involved in a murder, it would have made for a far more impactful ending that stirs those questions I previously mentioned. Trap would then offer a chilling conclusion, underscoring a moral dilemma and encouraging viewers to grapple with it themselves.
Instead, it seems like several different conclusions were added, giving the impression they were merely included to expand the cast of characters, particularly Cooper’s family. It’s questionable whether we needed to meet his son (Lochland Miller) and wife (Allison Pill), as their presence in the plot appears insufficiently justified. Moreover, it’s disappointing that valuable acting talent like Allison Pill was not utilized more effectively in this below-par conclusion.
Josh Hartnett’s Performance Makes Trap Worth Seeing, Even With A Weak Ending
Strangely enough, I find myself persistently recommending the film “Trap“, even after all this time. The reason behind it is none other than Joshua Daniel Hartnett. For most parts of this suspenseful thriller, we’re actually drawn into the suspense created by the confined atmosphere and the intricate plotline at play.
After the exciting part of the concert, things began to unravel, but by then I was hooked on discovering the conclusion. I attribute that to Mr. Hartnett playing his character flawlessly when the storyline starts to crumble. Balancing charm and danger perfectly, there are two main reasons I trust he is indeed the firefighter he portrays.
One reason for this is that Josh Hartnett’s performance in a somewhat unnecessary shirtless scene hints at his physical capabilities to either rescue or endanger lives. However, the main, significant reason lies in his acting prowess, similar to an emergency responder. He shoulders the weight of the film’s fading climax like a child he’s rescuing from a fire, and delivers the final act with such conviction that it left me eagerly anticipating a potential sequel.
Should you tune into our ReelBlend interview with M. Night Shyamalan, he revealed that test viewers were equally excited to witness Cooper Adams deliver a swift blow in another round of horror. Consequently, despite my distaste for its self-tripping tendencies during the problematic third act, I can still assert that watching Trap is a worthwhile experience.
I’ve had some difficulties appreciating M. Night Shyamalan’s movies in the past, despite enjoying his recent works such as “Old,” “Knock at the Cabin,” and “Servant” on Apple TV+. However, at this point, “Trap” isn’t living up to its potential according to my perspective.
It’s possible that after a few years have passed, I might alter my opinion about this image, just like I did with “The Village’s” ending. Perhaps this is another instance where patience will pay off for me. Yet, I must admit that although I was let down by “Trap’s” conclusion, M. Night Shyamalan has shown himself to be a director who excels at casting unconventional leads and drawing remarkable performances from them in the end.
Similar to how Bruce Willis was chosen for both “The Sixth Sense” and “Unbreakable,” the director/writer hasn’t faltered in his ability to select talented actors. So if you’re excited about Josh Hartnett’s actions in “Trap,” you can likely catch the movie at a theater nearby and have a great time. With your anticipation set correctly, you might find the climax of the story more enjoyable than I did.
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2024-08-03 04:08