Just a week after the first details emerged from Cinema-Con, Warner Bros. have gifted us with the first trailer for M. Night Shyamalan’s Trap.
Josh Hartnett stars as a father accompanying his young daughter to a concert. As Lady Raven takes to the stage, Hartnett leaves his daughter briefly for a bathroom break. It is only when outside the auditorium that he notices a heavy police presence surrounding the arena, complete with armoured vehicles. A concession employee lets slip that the concert has been kitted out as a trap for a serial killer known as “The Mad Butcher.” Police have received whispers he is in attendance and are determined to capture him… Upon hearing the news, Hartnett immediately drains of colour… but why?
There’s plenty to unpack in the brief teaser, first and foremost the unbelievably charismatic lead performance by Josh Hartnett. Even in a trailer it is impossible to take one’s eyes off the actor.
Secondly, the palpable sense of tension and dread emanating through the screen hints that Shyamalan is back to his best after a series of so-so movies.
Trap somehow manages to portray scale, whilst also feeling completely contained… a paradox that only Shyamalan is capable of.
However, as engaging as this teaser is, one glaring decision may keep viewers away… We know Shyamalan is famous for his “twist” endings, but Trap may have been spoiled right out of the gate. Half-way through the short clip, we are made aware that the serial killer the police suspect is in attendance is Hartnett…
Although the actor plays it well, one can’t help but feel they’ve just seen the entire movie… However, could this all be very strategic marketing? Does Shyamalan have another trick up his sleeve?
Trap will release on August 2nd 2024, and you can check out the trailer below, but a spoiler warning is in effect:
