One of last year’s most divisive movies has hit #2 on the Netflix charts. The 2024 psychological thriller Trap, starring Josh Hartnett and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, has quickly rocketed up the Netflix charts after its recent addition to the streaming service.
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Set against the backdrop of contemporary parenthood, the film follows Cooper (Hartnett), a devoted firefighter and father, as he takes his daughter Riley to see her favorite pop star at the local concert. While queueing for food, Cooper overhears alarming news: the FBI has surrounded the venue to catch the notorious local serial killer known as ‘The Butcher’, rumored to be attending the concert. The tension escalates when it becomes evident Cooper is hiding a terrible secret—he is The Butcher, and now he’s desperate to avoid capture.
Even with such a gripping plot, Trap has received mixed reviews. Critics praised Hartnett’s remarkable performance but were divided over the film’s campy, tongue-in-cheek narrative. Despite these critiques, many fans of the film argue this stylistic choice is part of its charm. Notably, the long-standing film publication Cahiers du Cinéma recognized Trap as one of the top 10 films of 2024.
If you’re intrigued by psychological thrillers twisted with familial bonds, you can form your own opinion on Trap by streaming it on Netflix today.
Josh Hartnett, well-known for his diverse and compelling performances, brings Cooper to life with skill and depth. Describing the character, Hartnett remarked to Screen Rant: “Well, it's human and it's light to us, but to him it's a facade... might not just be a facade. That's what makes it so interesting is... this thing is set on a day where all this stuff happens... forces him to reevaluate who he is.” His portrayal of Cooper showcases the internal struggles of a man caught between his identity as both loving father and dangerous murderer.
Hartnett’s character development reflects the tension of maintaining family relationships against moral conflicts. He emphasized the complexity of Cooper’s duality, elaborately stating, “I wanted to give him the most extreme and interesting version of this character... some sort of family...”. This insight exemplifies Hartnett’s commitment to representing the many layers of his character, pushing the boundaries of traditional thriller roles.
Directing the film, M. Night Shyamalan is lauded for his unique storytelling style and collaborative approach, which Hartnett praises highly. Hartnett mentioned, “Well, Knight's incredibly collaborative because he's a great filmmaker and I think all great filmmakers are not worried about protecting their vision so much.” This collaborative spirit extends to the very creation of the concert scenes, where the immersive atmosphere was created to give real authenticity to the live performances. Hartnett explained how Shyamalan brought this vision to life: “He knew when he sent me the script, it was going to be a tough ask... .”
Even amid rising tension, Trap masterfully weaves the relationship between parent and child, leveraging it as the heart of the narrative. Cooper’s attempts to maintain normalcy for Riley, juxtaposed against his violent secret, create dramatic stakes. Shyamalan’s direction fosters strong emotional and psychological beats, inviting viewers to explore the duality of Cooper's nature.
Hartnett’s character navigates the intense pressures of personal identity, with his facade of normalcy unraveling dramatically. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a movie like this,” he expressed, reflecting on the film’s unique storytelling. Trap challenges viewers to think critically about the choices characters make and their impacts on family bonds and personal integrity.
Trap has ignited discussions across social media platforms since its release, with fans praising Hartnett’s performance and Shyamalan’s direction. The adoption of such thematic elements resonates with audiences seeking narratives rich with family dynamics and moral ambiguity.
Currently, the thriller is available for streaming on Netflix, providing viewers the opportunity to engage with its plot and themes. Whether you find it thrilling or entertainingly campy, it undoubtedly serves as conversation fodder, especially with its recent praise from Cahiers du Cinéma.
Overall, Trap encapsulates the highs and lows of parenthood intertwined with dark, psychological elements, resulting not only in thriller entertainment but also in layered storytelling addressing significant human experiences. The film has certainly carved its place on the Netflix platform and among film discussions.
