In M. Night Shyamalan's latest film, *Trap*, josh Hartnett takes center stage in a thriller that sees a father and daughter attending a pop concert, which quickly spirals into a deadly game of cat and mouse with a serial killer. Hartnett plays Cooper, a character whose dad-joke persona belies the fact that he's the man the authorities are after. The film opens with Cooper and his daughter Riley (played by Ariel Donoghue) amidst the fervent atmosphere of a concert for pop star Lady Raven (Saleka Shyamalan). The excitement of the crowd, filled with energetic teens and devoted fans, sets the stage for the unfolding drama.

For those keen to avoid spoilers, it's best to stop reading here and enjoy the film's surprises firsthand. However, it’s worth noting that staying through the credits will reward viewers with a humorous post-credits sequence. The trailer already reveals Cooper as the wanted man, but that is merely the beginning of the film's twists and turns.

*Trap* offers more subtle surprises compared to Shyamalan's previous works, such as *Knock at the Cabin*. While the twists may not induce gasps of shock, they do elicit raised eyebrows and keep the audience engaged. The film's first half is tightly executed and entertaining, with Shyamalan collaborating with master cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom to create a visually compelling experience. The use of off-kilter shots and negative space transforms the concert arena into a labyrinthine maze filled with suspense.

The story, anchored in Cooper's perspective, encourages the audience to think strategically about potential escape routes, heightening the tension and immersing viewers in the protagonist's predicament. The film’s narrative and visual style combine to make *Trap* a moderately entertaining thriller, buoyed by Hartnett's performance and Shyamalan's direction.

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