A Unique Blend of High-Concept Thriller
M. Night Shyamalan is known for his high-concept films, but ‘Trap’ may be his most ambitious project to date. The film follows dad Cooper (Josh Hartnett) and daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue) attending a much-hyped pop concert by Lady Raven, played by Shyamalan’s own daughter, Saleka.
Not just a simple concert, ‘Trap’ explores deeper layers as it turns into a police operation aiming to capture the serial killer known as ‘The Butcher.’ In true Shyamalan fashion, the twist reveals that Hartnett’s Cooper is, in fact, the serial killer.
From Operation Flagship to a Hitchcockian Ride
The inspiration for ‘Trap’ partly stems from the real-life ‘Operation Flagship,’ where several fugitives were lured with free NFL tickets only to find themselves captured. Shyamalan finds humor and horror in such setups and seeks to bring that mix to his film.
Shyamalan aimed to create a “very scary and Hitchcockian” experience, which involved directing an entire concert sequence. “There is no pretend concert; it’s equally important,” says Shyamalan. This dual nature of the event makes it a must-watch on the big screen, promising an experience you can’t get anywhere else.
An Original Story in an Industry Fueled by IP
For Shyamalan, ‘Trap’ is an opportunity to continue making unique and original films while self-funding to retain creative control. He strongly advocates for originality in an industry increasingly dependent on established intellectual properties.
I really do believe in the original movie,” he says. “I want the industry to move towards more original storytelling.
This vision aligns with his past successes with films like ‘The Sixth Sense,’ ‘Unbreakable,’ and ‘Signs.’ The journey through these iconic movies has allowed Shyamalan to carve out space for creative risks and narrative twists, fully manifesting in ‘‘Trap‘.
A Show Worth Watching on the Big Screen
The film’s climactic moments involve pivotal reveals during the concert sequence, far surpassing mere background action. The intense interaction between characters during this helter-skelter scenario adds layers to its engaging narrative.
Premiering nationwide on August 9, Warner Brothers Pictures brings ‘‘Trap’‘ to theaters. Set your calendar for this uniquely thrilling experience crafted by none other than M. Night Shyamalan.
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