![](https://cathnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/0809film-Josh-Hartnett-in-Trap.jpg)
In Trap, a man accompanies his daughter to a pop concert, only to realise the event is a trap by police to capture him. Source: Australian Catholics.
This American psychological thriller is written, directed and produced by M Night Shyamalan, best known for the brilliant thriller, The Sixth Sense (1999).
Typically, Shyamalan employs supernatural plots with surprise endings that keep the viewer guessing. He is also a master for portraying what might be regarded as believable.
In his distinctive visual style, Shyamalan routinely injects humour and suspense into his scenarios.
The main character in this film, Cooper (Hartnett), takes his teen daughter Riley (Donoghue) to see her favourite singer, Lady Raven (played by Shyamalan’s daughter, Saleka).
Riley is excited and contagiously exuberant about what lies ahead, and she has no idea that others, including the police, think her father is a serial killer who has been dubbed “The Butcher”.
During the concert, Cooper excuses himself to go to the bathroom, and, on the way, he sees a heavy police presence throughout the theatre, and concludes the police and the FBI are there for him.
This film has more of a “crime” look than a supernatural one, which is unusual for Shyamalan. Suspense is more significant than violence with little blood spilled, but the movie impressively captures the mood for which Shyamalan is famous.
Review by Peter W Sheehan, Jesuit Media.
Trap: Starring: Josh Harnett, Saleka Shyamalan and Ariel Donoghue. Also, Alison Pill and Hayley Mills. Directed by M Night Shyamalan. Rated M (Sustained threat and coarse language). 105 min.
FULL REVIEW
Trap (Australian Catholics)