Introduction
Basic movie information
- Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
- Full name: Trap
- Release date: 2024
- Budget: $30 million
- Box office: $71 million
- What to expect: A tense, thriller experience that sets the stage for something much bigger.
- Additional information: This film centers on a serial killer attempting to escape a trap set by authorities while attending a concert with his daughter.
Initial thoughts
My wife and I were intrigued by the concept of already knowing the serial killer’s identity from the start. The unique twist of seeing how he would navigate the situation, with authorities closing in, made us eager to see Trap in theaters. We both love thrillers, and the fact we already knew who was the bad guy, meant something big was about to go down!
Enjoyment
Plot summary
The plot follows a serial killer played by Josh Hartnett as he attempts to escape a trap set by the authorities at a concert. With his daughter by his side, the stakes are incredibly high. The movie plays out like a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, full of suspense and surprising moments.
Was the movie fun?
We had a lot of fun watching the movie; it was undeniably thrilling. The tension builds beautifully, and just as the suspense reaches a peak, the film ends. It felt like the movie was more of a prologue, a setup for a larger story to come, rather than a complete narrative in itself.
Emotional impact
The emotional tension, particularly regarding the relationship between the killer and his daughter, was palpable, adding depth to the thrills. The fact that at one point I was almost rooting for the serial killer just so his family, a wife, and his two kids would not have to go through the pain of finding out his real identity.
Rating for Enjoyment
After thinking about all the aspects this movie has to give for enjoyment, emotional impact, and other factors, I decided to give the enjoyment section of this movie review, an 8.0.
The emotional stakes in this movie are very high, if you enjoy thrillers, you should see this one as Josh Hartnett plays the serial killer perfectly.
Pacing and audience
Pacing of the movie
The pacing was well-balanced, starting slow to build the atmosphere, then accelerating as the trap was sprung, the serial killer figuring out his next move on the while keeping his daughter in the dark. The setting shifted beyond the concert, adding unexpected layers of tension. Watching someone we did not expect take on a serial killer in this scenario was exciting and different. The movie maintained a good pace, though it felt like just the beginning of something bigger.
What audience is targeted?
This film is perfect for thriller and suspense enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy a psychological edge to their movies. This is not just a trap, but a battle for survival and a whole family is at stake.
Script and dialogue
The dialogue was tight and purposeful, each line adding to the tension and mystery. The conversations between the killer and his daughter were particularly gripping. You could see and feel he loves his daughter, not that he fakes it. It even seems to confuse the serial killer he can feel this. This makes it more surreal how some people can be monsters, but also a father, which one is the disguise?
What message does this movie instill?
The film seems to suggest that appearances can be deceiving, and the true danger often lies beneath a calm exterior. I have to agree with this message, you never know what people are hiding.
Rating
After some consideration, thinking over the dialogue and the scenes, I give the pacing and audience section a rating of 7.
It is clear that this movie is carried by Josh Hartnett, while the authorities are a force to be reckoned with, the serial killer is seemingly always a step ahead, not for his own sake but for his family.
Graphic style
Quality of graphics and art direction
The quality of the graphics and art direction was top-notch. The cinematography enhanced the tense atmosphere, with shadowy, claustrophobic scenes that made you feel as trapped as the characters. But who is trapped with whom? The settings beyond the concert were amazing as well. The visuals were dark and intense, perfectly complementing the film’s mood.
Rating
It took me some time to give the graphics and art style of this movie a good rating. But after considering a lot, I decided to give it an 8.
The visuals were great!
Sound and music
Music score and how it contributed to the movie
The music score was haunting and perfectly aligned with the film’s eerie atmosphere. It built the suspense effectively, while the acting and line delivery were superb, particularly from the lead, who portrayed the serial killer with chilling authenticity. The music was essential in setting the tone, enhancing the tension and unease.
Acting and lines
The performances were strong, with the lead actor delivering a particularly memorable portrayal of a complex character. While he comes over as a strong serial killer, everyone has a weakness.
Rating
After a lot of consideration, I rated the sound and music section with an 8.
We both got sucked into the movie, it was a true cinematic experience!
Personal experiences favorite scene
My favorite scene was when the serial killer blended in seamlessly with the crowd, almost becoming invisible due to his unassuming demeanor. It was a chilling reminder of how ordinary some monsters can appear. He easily slipped through each crack, showing he had been avoiding authorities for so long.
Rating
My own personal rating of this movie is an 8.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, it felt like a set-up for a next movie. I won’t spoil, but a great name suggested by my wife for the next movie would be, Trapped?
Last words
Pros
- High tension and suspense
- Strong performances, especially from the lead
- Excellent use of music and visuals
- Innovative concept of revealing the killer from the start
- Effective buildup of atmosphere and dread
- Thought-provoking exploration of a killer’s dual life as a father
Cons
- Feels more like a prologue than a complete film
- The plot relies heavily on the anticipation of a sequel
- Limited action sequences, focusing more on tension than thrills
- Abrupt ending leaves you wanting more
Trap is an intense and thrilling experience, though it feels more like the first chapter of a larger story. While the movie is exciting and well-executed, it leaves you with the sense that the real story is just beginning.
Final Rating
7.5
Please let me know what you think of the Trapped movie review in the comments!
I hope you enjoyed reading this review, I hope to see you in the next review!
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I don’t like Abrupt ending except famous movies. I saw this movie but i didint watch completely. Maybe i can watch it.
You really need to finish it! The ending is perfect, although, abrupt as if you are watching a prologue.
New movie in watch list
I heard Alien: Romulus is super good, you need review it. (if u like it ofc)
I will see if I can review the movie Alien Romulus!
Looks like the kind of movie I would like, and something different
I hope you will like the movie.
abrupt ending? did Valve do this film? 😀
Sad, it may get a sequel in a couple years, but will never get a third part…
I think they want to make a sequel.
Almost feels like they were testing it out as a pilot for a series 😀 But not for me… I don’t enjoy Thrillers…
Too bad you don’t enjoy thrillers!
Hi
So a starting concept is like in Colombo? (for example) 🙂 I always love movies/tv series with well made dialogs and psychology of characters, it gives a lot to immersion (i could give probably many examples but Homeland first season had well made char psychology). For me it is also important when main character/actors are really something special, if i would really hate them it would be hard to watch. Thanks for you review, you got me interested.
I am glad you got interested in the movie, it was indeed fun to watch the main character struggle.
Seems like you really enjoyed the movie given the high score.
I can’t help but wonder how does a story like that play out – a “serial killer” has a family and loves his daughter, but still goes on murdering others around. A mix of emotions and decisions at play.
A bit weird that attending the daughter’s concert is a “risk” for him, lol. That sounds like the movie was planned more like an encapsulated event in one’s life, instead of building the character through wider story.
The narrative builds up to something being wrong, how can they know he is there with his daughter? He is a serial killer who makes no mistakes, could he have messed up? It gets explained and built up properly.
Interesting. I skipped some parts of the review because I kind of want to watch the movie so didn’t want to get spoiled, but the premise and your rating make it interesting. Unfortunate that the end is abrupt and is one of those “feels like there’s a sequel awaiting”… I don’t really like that, especially when there isn’t a sequel being worked on. Eh, we’ll see. Maybe one day.
Maybe you should watch it when a sequel gets announced? I am pretty sure it is going to happen since it did make money!
This movie review is awesome. I will watch this film.
I am glad you will watch the movie!
Love Shyamalan and can’t wait to get to this film 🙂
I hope you will enjoy the movie!
This sounds like a pretty good movie! I love personal tensions/drama more than action, so that’s a good point for me! Mystery and suspense is more emotionally engaging! The music and visuals sound really high quality too, I’ll probably be watching this! 🙂
I hope you will enjoy the movie!
Josh Hartnett is back
Not sure if I have seen him in different movies.
Shyamalan created some really weird movies. Slow to story building is the key to a dense film in my opinion. Are you take notes during the movie?
I write the reviews a few days, or even a week so far after the movie. I remember key plots, key lines, and basically analyze it over a few days while going over it in my head.