Director M. Night Shyamalan is back with another psychological thriller that’s sure to keep audiences guessing until the end. Trap, the director’s latest cinematic mystery, offers a fresh take on the well-trodden serial killer story by revealing the narrative from the antagonist’s point of view.
Starring Josh Hartnett as Cooper, a father caught in a police sting targeting the infamous serial killer known as “The Butcher,” Trap immerses viewers in the mind of the deranged killer. Hartnett draws from real-life figures lacking empathy to portray Cooper, a man who’ll stop at nothing to satisfy his disturbing desires. The layered character performance is sure to divide fans on their feelings towards the unsettling protagonist.
For Shyamalan, maintaining suspense while granting glimpses into what makes Cooper tick was a delicate balancing act. “He’s an interesting character to be with because he’s coming alive when things get scary,” the director mused. “Portraying that blend of sympathy and danger is a testament to Shyamalan’s skilled hand at crafting complex, thought-provoking narratives.
While reviews have been mixed so far, earning a 44% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, audience scores clock in higher at 66%. General moviegoers may connect more with Shyamalan’s bold vision than critics. Trap remains a theatrical exclusive for now as distributor Warner Bros. Discovery allows box office profits to accrue. Industry insiders forecast the film reaching streaming platform HBO Max in late November at the earliest.
Trap is expected to earn $15.5-$16.5 million in its opening weekend, a solid figure suggesting ongoing fascination with Shyamalan’s trademark twists and turns. As the master of reveals continues pushing boundaries, his latest promises another psychologically thrilling exploration of morality from an unexpected vantage point.
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