Trap is the next thriller from filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, with the first footage revealing a shocking twist in which Josh Hartnett's character is revealed to be a serial killer. The film promises even more twists and turns, following the pattern of Shyamalan's previous films. The cast includes Vanessa Smythe and Saleka Shyamalan, with speculation as to who will become the audience's source of empathy as the plot unfolds. Although the twist was revealed early on, the mystery and tense atmosphere of the movie still promise to surprise audiences. Trap is scheduled for release in August 2024.
Summary
The first footage from Trap, the next thriller from filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, has been shown. The footage shows Josh Hartnett's character and his daughter taking part in a show that is secretly a trap to capture a serial killer. Hartnett's character is revealed to be the killer in question, revealing a major twist in the movie.
Trap, the new film by M. Night Shyamalan, has just premiered its first footage at CinemaCon. Following the release of Old and Knock at the Cabin, Shyamalan is to return to the thriller genre with Trap, an upcoming film featuring Josh Hartnett in the lead role. The film is said to follow a father and daughter who go to a pop concert and discover that they have inadvertently placed themselves in the middle of a sinister event.
With still a few months to go until Trap's release date, Warner Bros. has already shown the first footage from the film at CinemaCon, which Screen Rant is attending. The footage begins with Hartnett's character and his daughter attending a Lady Raven concert, before he goes to the bathroom. Hartnett's character finds out from another participant that the show is a trap to capture a serial killer. The big twist is that Hartnett is the serial killer, and it is revealed on his phone that he is holding a victim hostage. The clip ends with Hartnett laughing wildly.
Trap looks like a classic M. Night Shyamalan thriller
Will the movie have a second twist?
Shyamalan often works in the thriller genre, and most of his films have one thing in common: there's always a twist. The filming of Trap suggests that the next film will continue this trend, although it is curious that the filming apparently reveals the big twist. Although the plot synopses suggest that Hartnett is the film's protagonist, it's an interesting choice to make the main character a serial killer who apparently dismembers his victims.
Knock at the Cabin ends with a surprise twist that is teased throughout the movie, speaking even more to Shyamalan's love of pulling the rug out from under the audience.
The fact that this twist has been revealed may suggest that Trap will have another big twist at some point in its running time. It remains to be seen what that twist will be, but it may be a challenge to get the audience to root for a serial killer. The Trap's cast also includes Vanessa Smythe and Saleka Shyamalan, among others, and it's possible that one of these figures will become the audience's main source of empathy as Hartnett's character's true colors are revealed.
Saleka Shyamalan is a singer/songwriter who has contributed to the soundtracks of her father's projects, such as Old and Servant.
As well as surprising twists, Shyamalan's films such as Unbreakable, The Sixth Sense, The Village, Split, Old and others also have tense atmospheres with some truly shocking scenes. Even if the twist has been revealed so early, Trap can still fulfill that purpose, especially if Hartnett's character is violent and unpredictable; everyone in the show becomes a possible victim. Many doubts remain about Trap, but hopefully a trailer will be released in the coming weeks, giving a better idea of what's to come.
Trap
Trap is a film by writer and director M. Night Shyamalan under his Blinding Edge Pictures label. The film is part of an agreement with Warner Bros for him to direct and produce several films under their banner.
Director M. Night Shyamalan
Release date August 9, 2024
Studio(s) Blinding Edge Pictures, New Line Cinema
Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema
Writers M. Night Shyamalan
Cast Josh Hartnett, Hayley Mills, Marnie McPhail, Vanessa Smythe, Saleka Shyamalan, Malik Jubal, Jonathan Langdon, Peter D'Souza, Ty Pravong, Kaitlyn Dallan