"Trap" (2025) 

Trap (2025) is a psychological thriller written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The film stars Josh Hartnett in a chilling lead role as Cooper Abbott, a seemingly ordinary father with a sinister double life. Combining suspense, dark humor, and an unconventional setting, Trap is one of Shyamalan's boldest and most inventive films to date.

🎬 Plot Summary

The story begins with Cooper Abbott taking his teenage daughter, Riley, to a massive pop concert by the superstar Lady Raven. They arrive at the Tanaka Arena, where fans are screaming, music is booming, and excitement is in the air.

However, Cooper quickly realizes that something is wrong. The entire event is actually a covert FBI operation—a trap designed to catch a serial killer known as “The Butcher.” The shocking twist? Cooper is The Butcher.

As the concert continues, Cooper must navigate the arena filled with thousands of people, all while trying to avoid detection by law enforcement. Using hidden tunnels, backstage access, and his own twisted intelligence, he attempts to escape. Meanwhile, the authorities, unaware that their suspect is already inside the building, close in.

🎭 Cast and Performances

• Josh Hartnett delivers a stunning performance as Cooper Abbott, skillfully balancing the character’s loving-father façade with his terrifying alter ego.

• Ariel Donoghue plays Riley, Cooper’s daughter, offering a believable and sympathetic performance that provides emotional contrast to her father’s darkness.

• Saleka Shyamalan, daughter of the director, stars as Lady Raven. She also performs original songs in the film, adding authenticity to the concert scenes.

• Supporting performances by Hayley Mills and Jonathan Langdon add layers of intrigue and tension throughout the film.

🎥 Direction and Style

Shyamalan turns the stadium into a maze of psychological suspense. The use of live concert footage, surveillance cameras, and behind-the-scenes chaos creates a unique atmosphere that blends horror, satire, and thriller genres.

The film’s direction is tight, with moments of bizarre comedy breaking up the tension. Some scenes verge on surreal, especially as Cooper interacts with oblivious staff and fans while plotting his escape.

The cinematography and sound design stand out, particularly in how they contrast the glitz of the pop concert with the grim tension of a police manhunt.

🧠 Themes and Symbolism

Trap explores the duality of identity—how someone can lead a perfectly normal life while hiding a monstrous secret. It also dives into themes of surveillance, public spectacle, and the masks people wear in society.

The relationship between Cooper and his daughter adds an emotional dimension, forcing audiences to grapple with the uncomfortable truth that evil doesn’t always look evil.

🎤 Music and Atmosphere

One of the film’s most original elements is the integration of a full concert into the story. The songs performed by Lady Raven (Saleka) are thematically tied to the plot, and the energy of the concert scenes sharply contrasts with the quiet dread of Cooper’s hidden actions.

📈 Critical Reception

Trap received mixed-to-positive reviews. Critics praised its originality and Hartnett’s performance, though some pointed out pacing issues and implausible elements in the plot.

Audiences were divided—many enjoyed the film’s unusual concept and dark humor, while others found its tone inconsistent. Despite this, the film generated strong word-of-mouth and quickly gained a cult following.

💰 Box Office and Release

The film earned over $82 million globally, with strong performance in North America and international markets. It later became available on streaming platforms in early 2025, where it found an even wider audience.

🎬 Ending and Sequel Potential

The climax sees Cooper nearly escaping, only to be outwitted by his wife, who helps the FBI catch him. However, a final scene suggests that Cooper may have planned an escape even from custody—leaving the door open for a potential sequel.

📝 Final Verdict

Trap is a dark, imaginative, and suspenseful film that subverts expectations at every turn. With standout performances and a unique premise, it’s a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers. While not without its flaws, it showcases M. Night Shyamalan’s continued willingness to take risks and reinvent his storytelling style.