anubhav2804’s review published on Letterboxd:
A man and his teenage daughter realize they're at the center of a dark and sinister event while watching a concert.
Trap epitomizes M. Night Shyamalan's knack for crafting intriguing premises that falter in execution. The film begins with a gripping 20-minute sequence that fully immerses the audience in its claustrophobic thriller atmosphere. During these initial moments, the tension is palpable, leaving viewers breathless as they witness the elaborate police operation designed to capture the notorious serial killer known as 'Butcher' at the 'Raven' concert. The meticulous planning and high stakes create an electric atmosphere, promising a thrilling ride. However, as the film progresses, this intensity dissipates, and the narrative becomes increasingly disjointed.
Once the element of surprise is lost regarding the identity of the serial killer, the film should have pivoted to an in-depth exploration of the intricate and twisted psyche of 'Butcher.' Instead, the narrative succumbs to a series of improbable coincidences that conveniently facilitate his escape from the concert. These contrivances feel artificially imposed, detracting from the authenticity of the plot. Rather than portraying Cooper's genuine desperation to escape and save his life and family, the film resorts to an overabundance of fortuitous events that undermine the character's complexity and the story's plausibility.
Post exiting the concert, the film flounders in its direction, seemingly lost in how to progress, resulting in an unnecessarily prolonged runtime that feels forced and meandering. The events unfolding after the interval are mostly forgettable, failing to maintain the initial tension. Even upon meeting Cooper's family, the film fails to elucidate the motives behind Cooper's actions, leaving the audience in the dark and resulting in a muddled execution. The climax, intended to be a serious and impactful conclusion, instead comes off as laughable, further diminishing the film's credibility and emotional resonance. This disjointed and lackluster second half undermines the film's potential, leaving it as a disappointing and incoherent thriller.
Honestly, the entire film felt more like a promotional vehicle for Saleka Shyamalan's music career, with the thriller genre plot seemingly tacked on just for the sake of it. This unfortunate blending of objectives resulted in a film that lacked genuine suspense and coherence, making it feel more like a marketing strategy than a well-crafted narrative.
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