Trap Is M. Night Shyamalan’s Latest Conundrum
M. Night Shyamalan is back at it again with “Trap” (2024), and, as always, he’s out to mess with our heads. If you thought you had him figured out after the slow-burn tension of “Knock at the Cabin,” think again. This film arrives cloaked in the signature style Shyamalan has honed over decades – cryptic plots, tight pacing, and that eerie feeling that something is just a little off. But does “Trap” live up to its chilling potential, or is it another entry in the director’s uneven filmography?
Right from the start, “Trap” pulls you into its atmospheric grip. The movie wastes no time setting up its premise: a group of strangers find themselves ensnared in an unknown place, facing dangers that blur the line between reality and paranoia. Shyamalan’s directing here is noticeably restrained, leaving much to the imagination while focusing on the interpersonal dynamics among the characters. The tension is palpable, and the dialogue crackles with the awkwardness and suspicion you’d expect from people thrust into an inexplicable predicament. Here, Shyamalan plays to his strengths, building suspense through nuanced performances and a slow unraveling of the truth.
However, this being a Shyamalan film, it’s impossible not to watch without waiting for that inevitable twist. In “Trap,” he dances around this expectation brilliantly, giving us glimpses of the story’s true nature in fragments that keep us guessing. But, let’s be real, there’s also that nagging feeling: is the reveal going to be worth the wait, or are we being led down yet another twisty road to disappointment? Shyamalan seems well aware of his audience’s skepticism, almost teasing it, as he unspools the narrative with deliberate ambiguity.
The performances in “Trap” are a standout, as the cast breathes life into characters that could have easily been generic. Each actor brings a distinct edge to their roles, adding depth to a script that leans heavily on psychological tension. The cinematography heightens this, using close-ups and shadowy spaces to create a claustrophobic atmosphere. There are moments of sheer unease, where silence is as haunting as any musical score, echoing some of Shyamalan’s best work from films like “The Sixth Sense” and “Signs.”
Where “Trap” stumbles is in its pacing. While the build-up is strong, the middle of the film drags slightly, testing the audience’s patience as it toys with various explanations for the characters’ predicament. Some may argue that this slow-burn approach is essential to the film’s psychological edge, but others might feel it borders on self-indulgence. And then there’s the climax, which, of course, hinges on a major twist. Without delving into spoilers, let’s just say that your mileage may vary on whether this particular twist lands with a jaw-dropping bang or a disappointed shrug. It’s a classic Shyamalan gamble, one that feels like a love letter to his longtime fans while risking alienation from newcomers.
In the end, “Trap” is a quintessential Shyamalan experience – one that blends suspense, psychological drama, and a touch of the supernatural. It’s a film that demands your full attention and rewards it with a narrative puzzle that’s as engrossing as it is frustrating. For those who have stuck with Shyamalan through his highs and lows, “Trap” offers a fresh reminder of his ability to unsettle and surprise, even if it doesn’t always hit the mark perfectly. And for those still nursing the scars of “The Happening”? Well, let’s just say this one might be a bit more… trapped in its ambition, for better or worse.
