Trap ending explained: Spoilers for M Night Shyamalan film – is there a twist?

As a long-time fan of M. Night Shyamalan’s twisted tales and unexpected twists, I must say that Trap did not disappoint. With its intriguing premise and a cast of characters that kept me guessing until the very end, it was an exhilarating rollercoaster ride.

M. Night Shyamalan consistently delivers captivating opening ideas, and his new thriller, titled “Trap,” offers yet another compelling grabber.

In this movie, Josh Hartnett portrays Cooper, a father who accompanies his teenage daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue) to a Lady Raven concert, her idol. However, it’s later revealed that Cooper is not just any fan; he is the infamous serial killer called “The Butcher.” The concert, it turns out, was orchestrated by the FBI as a trap to apprehend him.

Of course, alongside his wacky premises, Shyamalan is also known for providing twists aplenty.

In the movie, it’s clear from the trailers that Cooper is actually The Butcher. This revelation happens early on in the film. So, you might be thinking if this writer/director still has one of his signature plot twists in store for the climax of the story.

If you’re curious about the ending of the movie, specifically the part known as “The Trap,” then keep reading as I will clarify the events for you.

Warning: Full spoilers for Trap.

Trap ending explained: Spoilers for M Night Shyamalan film – is there a twist?

In the initial stages of the movie, an unexpected revelation unfolds – Cooper, a character we encounter, is identified as the infamous serial killer, nicknamed ‘The Butcher’. This disclosure occurs while he’s scrutinizing footage of his latest captive, Spencer (Mark Bacolcol), who he has confined in a basement. Rest assured, there are more shocking twists to come.

As a seasoned con artist who’s been in and out of trouble with the law for most of my life, I can tell you that this story of a cunning thief is nothing new to me. The guy, let’s call him Jack, was no ordinary crook; he had a knack for blending into his surroundings like a chameleon. He managed to slip through the cracks by posing as an employee at the concert venue and making off with a police radio.

However, it was discovered that the police are also stationed at this particular exit. In response, he decided to unveil his real identity to Lady Raven and threaten to eliminate Spencer, unless she ensures a secure escape for him and Riley in her limousine.

Despite her initial hesitation, Lady Raven eventually consents. Upon their return to Riley’s home, she subtly suggests to the family that Cooper is the Butcher, causing him unease. She also secretly takes Cooper’s phone and, while locked in the bathroom, contacts Spencer about his capture. In a daring move, she broadcasts their situation live to her followers who, moved by her action, successfully organize a rescue mission.

Trap ending explained: Spoilers for M Night Shyamalan film – is there a twist?

After ensuring Spencer’s safety, she informs Rachel (Alison Pill), Cooper’s wife, that he is the culprit. She then alerts the authorities using her chauffeur. In response, Cooper confines his family upstairs and tries to escape with her in a car. However, the police quickly arrive on the scene, compelling him to hide through a concealed passageway instead.

After putting on a SWAT uniform, he secretly drives off with Lady Raven in the limo. Later, he unmasks himself, but since she has many supporters, they quickly manage to halt the car’s movement, giving federal agents a chance to follow close behind. This forces Cooper to flee once more – this time making his way back home.

At home, Rachel confesses to him that she had long suspected he was the Butcher, and in an effort to aid the police, she attempted to provide evidence – implying that she played a significant role in initiating the FBI investigation.

With the fresh knowledge at hand, Cooper concludes that the most rational step he can take is to end her life – however, she manages to stir in him a yearning for Riley, causing him to instead accept an invitation for a slice of pie together first.

But! It turns out she has poisoned the pie, and Cooper starts to hallucinate – imagining, not for the first time in the film, that he is having a conversation with his mother.

However, it transpires that the dialogue wasn’t a phone call with his mother as initially assumed, but rather an encounter in reality with FBI Agent Josephine Grant (portrayed by Hayley Mills), who had managed to track him down. He was then subdued by SWAT team members using a taser and taken into custody.

As he’s being escorted into a police van, he emotionally hugs Riley before disappearing from sight, suggesting that he has been caught for good this time.

However, there’s yet another turn of events – as expected, there always is. In the rear of the van, he subtly manages to loosen his restraints using a bicycle spoke that he had previously hidden while appearing to fine-tune Riley’s bike before their farewell hug. It seems he has found another way to slip away!

Does Trap have a post-credits scene?

In the movie, there’s a short scene right after the credits that offers a closer look at Jamie (played by Jonathan Langdon), who was the staff member at the concert venue and unwittingly shared information about the FBI operation with Cooper, but didn’t realize he was speaking to the infamous Butcher.

In this particular moment, we observe Jamie as he’s tuned into the news, discovering for the very first time that the individual he had previously interacted with was in fact the culprit. His reaction, quite naturally, is one of shock.

“I helped him! I helped him!” he says. “I ain’t talking to no one at work no more!”

It’s intriguing to note that Shyamalan shared with Gizmodo that this particular scene wasn’t originally part of the script, but instead, it was improvised during filming.

Trap is now showing in UK cinemas.

2024-08-09 13:34

Trap ending explained: Spoilers for M Night Shyamalan film – is there a twist?

Does Trap have a post-credits scene?

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