Trap

Movie Trailer

Release Date
August 2, 2024

Genre
Psychological Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Josh Hartnett as Cooper
• Ariel Donoghue as Riley
• Saleka Night Shyamalan as Lady Raven
• Alison Pill as Rachel
• Hayley Mills as Dr. Josephine Grant

Director
M. Night Shyamalan

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Sixth Sense
• Unbreakable
• Split

Producer

• M. Night Shyamalan
• Ashwin Rajan
• Marc Bienstock

Writer
M. Night Shyamalan

Budget
$30 million

Production Company
Blinding Edge Pictures

Running Time
105 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R (Restricted)

Content Advisory

• Intense violence
• Psychological horror
• Disturbing imagery

Movie Story
Trap follows the story of Cooper Adams, a Philadelphia firefighter with a dark secret—he is the infamous serial killer known as “the Butcher.” When Cooper takes his teenage daughter, Riley, to a concert by pop star Lady Raven, he becomes aware of a heavy police presence. Cooper learns that the FBI, led by profiler Dr. Josephine Grant, is using the event as a trap to catch the Butcher. To avoid capture, Cooper devises a series of plans, including creating chaos and using Riley as an unknowing pawn in his escape.

As Cooper tries to evade the authorities, the tension rises when Riley is selected as Lady Raven’s “Dreamer Girl,” giving her special access to the pop star and her entourage. Cooper sees this as an opportunity to escape, but the situation becomes increasingly complicated as Lady Raven uncovers Cooper’s true identity. She tries to outmaneuver him while secretly contacting the authorities, leading to a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

Back at home, Cooper’s wife, Rachel, begins to suspect that her husband might be the Butcher. Her suspicions are confirmed when Lady Raven reveals the truth to her during a tense confrontation. With the FBI closing in, Cooper attempts a final escape but is ultimately cornered by his own family and law enforcement. The film culminates in a dramatic showdown where Cooper is captured, but not before making one last attempt to manipulate the situation.

In the end, Cooper is taken into custody, but not before leaving behind a chilling reminder of his cunning nature. As he is escorted away, he begins to pick his handcuffs, suggesting that his story might not be over. Trap ends on a suspenseful note, leaving the audience wondering if the Butcher will strike again.

Special Effects
The film uses practical effects to create suspenseful and intense scenes, particularly during the concert and the final confrontation.

Box Office Performance
Trap grossed $72.5 million worldwide, a solid return on its $30 million budget, though it received mixed reviews from critics.

Filming Locations

• Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
• Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Notable Quotes

• “Sometimes the real trap is the one you set for yourself.” – Cooper
• “You can’t outrun what you truly are.” – Lady Raven

Behind-the-Scenes
The film marks the first collaboration between M. Night Shyamalan and his daughter, Saleka, who stars as Lady Raven and composed the film’s soundtrack.

Final Verdict
Trap is a tense, psychological thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with its unpredictable twists and complex characters. Shyamalan’s direction is complemented by strong performances, particularly from Josh Hartnett and Saleka.

IMDb Rating
6.1/10

Image Source: Warner Bros