As a seasoned cinephile with decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must say that M. Night Shyamalan‘s films have been a rollercoaster ride of emotions and expectations. From the mind-bending twists of “The Sixth Sense” to the head-scratching confusion of “After Earth,” his work is always a thrilling journey.
As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I can’t help but acknowledge the unique mark M. Night Shyamalan has left in Hollywood with his knack for crafting mind-bending plot twists that keep viewers talking long after the credits roll. But let’s face it, for every masterpiece like “The Sixth Sense,” there’s a film that misses the mark, such as “Old.” Shyamalan’s signature style often divides audiences and critics alike, making his body of work a mixed bag spanning over three decades. His latest offering, “Trap,” might have received lukewarm reviews and had a modest run at the box office, but it’s become a regular on my watch list while streaming. Despite its mediocre reception, “Trap ” keeps reappearing on my most-watched list.
In “Trap,” Josh Hartnett plays Cooper, a loving father who accompanies his teenage daughter (Ariel Donoghue) to a music festival. However, it soon becomes clear that the event is not what it seems; it’s part of a complex police operation designed to capture Cooper, who turns out to be a serial killer. The movie unexpectedly reveals this information in a short span. Despite the quick reveal, “Trap” maintains M. Night Shyamalan’s distinctive mix of tension and mind-bending plot twists, culminating in a shocking conclusion.
Similar to many of M. Night Shyamalan’s productions, the movie “Trap” was an independently financed original film that cost the director approximately $30 million to produce. With global earnings totaling $82 million, the film managed to turn a profit, albeit not meeting the director’s traditional benchmarks in terms of box office success. To provide some context, “The Sixth Sense” raked in an astounding $670 million worldwide, while “Signs” also made a strong impression with earnings of $400 million. Notably, only “Wide Awake” ($282,000) and “Knock at the Cabin” ($54 million) earned less than “Trap,” positioning it as somewhat of an anomaly within Shyamalan’s filmography.
The summer release plan posed a significant hurdle for the movie due to stiff competition from both established series and unexpected blockbusters. By the time Trap hit the cinemas, Deadpool & Wolverine had already taken over the season, raking in $1.3 billion globally and leaving no money in the pockets of moviegoers. Of particular note was the independent horror phenomenon Longlegs, which became a direct rival, earning an impressive $100 million worldwide on a mere $10 million budget. This congested market made it tough for Trap to find its footing in theaters. However, the success of Trap on streaming platforms underscores just how enjoyable Shyamalan’s thriller actually is.
Trap Deserves Its Streaming Success
Despite receiving some unfavorable feedback, Trap was widely admired for Shyamalan’s technical expertise, notably his inventive use of a concert venue as a setting to build tension and suspense. Indeed, the director’s unique visual style, marked by intricate wide shots and emotionally intense close-ups, truly thrives in a narrative that blends the frenetic atmosphere of a crowd with the ominous actions of a trapped serial killer. Furthermore, Shyamalan poured all his skill into crafting the fictional pop star Lady Raven, portrayed by Saleka Shyamalan. The musical performances of Lady Raven are so captivating that they stand out as a marvel amidst a film brimming with inspired creative decisions.
As a devoted cinephile, I must confess that the narrative of “Trap” veers off in some peculiar directions, and its conclusion leaves much to be desired. Granted, it’s not M. Night Shyamalan’s most dismal work, but his predictable methodology for suspense has lost some of its former impact. Yet, despite its flaws, “Trap” is an entertaining flick. At times like these, that’s all we seek.
The unveiling of “Trap” on Max coincided flawlessly with the autumnal mood, landing in October – the self-proclaimed “Spooky Season.” There’s a special allure to October that compels movie enthusiasts to immerse themselves in nerve-wracking or spine-tingling movies. Consequently, “Trap” debuted at a time when viewers were yearning for precisely the type of content it delivers. To top it off, Hartnett delivered an enchanting performance, and the film clocks in at a manageable 105 minutes. As such, “Trap” emerges as an ideal low-key thriller to savor during the Halloween season.
The digital success of the movie surpasses mere viewership figures. Months after its debut, Trap consistently ranks among Max’s top 10 favorites, suggesting that more people are discovering the film through word-of-mouth. This is good news for Shyamalan, as those who watched Trap will likely tune in to see what he creates next. Given that Shyamalan is open to a sequel, the movie’s recent popularity could encourage him to finance another suspenseful serial killer story with a catchy soundtrack. Despite his historical preference for theatrical releases, the movie’s viral spread shows that various distribution methods can be effective in reaching audiences.
At present, “Trap” can be streamed on Max, holding a top spot among their popular shows.
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2024-12-02 19:09