For years, filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan has become a distinctive name in the realm of psychological thrillers and supernatural narratives. With Trap, his latest venture, he allows viewers to enter another familiar (yet, more grounded) thriller that ultimately fumbles its potential.

An Uneven Narrative

Trap centers on a father and daughter duo attending a pop concert, which takes a suspenseful turn as viewers realize that the father is a wanted serial killer being pursued by the FBI. And of course, the concert is actually a ploy to trap him. The opening act presents a general sense of normalcy, and when things do kick off — you can’t help but feel like you’re waiting for a payout that never quite happens.

Shyamalan attempts to weave multiple character arcs and relationships throughout the narrative, which at first feels promising. The interactions (whether with its via the intriguing pop star protagonist, or even with his wife) are layered with tension, mystery, and a sense of impending doom. However, as the film progresses, the characters begin to fade into a jarring hyperreality rather than a grounded world that the film’s premise or first act might imply.

Furthermore, the decision to introduce tension through various briefly explored backstories leads to an uneven narrative structure that causes the film to feel disjointed. Investing emotionally in the characters' plights becomes harder, as their development is more of an afterthought than a focused journey.

The Film Quickly Loses Steam

Generally speaking, Shyamalan’s strengths lie in his ability to surprise audiences with unexpected twists, yet here they come across as forced and uninspired. What should have become a gripping climax feels more like an obligation to seek out some sense of resolution. Because, by the time the film eventually staggers into its final act, viewers may find themselves confused or in disbelief regarding some of these over-indulgent plot developments that can leave you longing for the film’s initial simmer of tension.

The latter half of the film attempts to escalate tension through newly manufactured conflicts that serve little purpose beyond attempting to pad out the runtime. Though, to its credit, the shift in focus to Lady Raven does feel like a stronger perspective that would have been worth following from the start. Other than that, the energy that initially gripped audiences quickly dissipates as the characters repeatedly maneuver through predictable conflicts—bad decision-making skills and desperate attempts to escape become stale rather than exhilarating.

Interesting Ideas That Aren’t EFFICIENTLY Executed

One of the redeeming aspects of Trap is its exploration of psychological themes such as trust, fear, and the fragility of human connections. The film opens the door to numerous philosophical inquiries about relationships, betrayal, and the primal instinct to survive in dire circumstances. However, these concepts are superficially navigated, leaving audiences waiting for a more profound exploration that sadly never materializes.

Several ideas possess the potential for engaging storytelling, such as the film’s peripheral characters and the moral dilemmas faced when survival instincts clash with ethical considerations. Yet, these intriguing threads struggle to leave a meaningful impact. As a result, the thematic material feels as though it has been sidelined in favor of superficial thrill, leaving behind a narrative that feels formulaic rather than innovative.

Score: 5/10

While Shyamalan’s artistry shines in brief flashes, these moments are not enough to salvage the execution of Trap.