Trailerblazing -- Trap

Trap -- August 9, 2024 -- directed by M. Night Shyamalan -- starring Josh Hartnett, Hayley Mills, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donoghue

 

 

 

While many have regarded M. Night Shyamalan's filmography as a series of incredible hits and incredible misses, there is no denying that the man is a visionary who is able to infuse surreal surprises into already unique stories. Trap appears to be yet another entry in his recent line of hits, along with Old and Knock at the Cabin. A story of a father and daughter attending a concert can only become this sinister and startling in Shyamalan's hands, and the trailer hints at other revelations. With his recent turns in "Black Mirror" and Oppenheimer, Hartnett has shown even more range than before and a propensity for darker stories, and his role here seems like a well chosen detour for the actor. Fun facts regarding the filmmaker's daughters, actor Saleka Shyamalan and producer/writer/director Ishana Shyamalan -- the former plays the pop diva in the movie and the ad for the latter's upcoming movie The Watchers is visible on a billboard in one sequence. Trap looks original, it looks suspenseful, and it looks like it will effortlessly ensnare audiences in its web of mystery.