I must admit that “Trap,” from the exceptionally talented writer and director M. Night Shyamalan, unveiled just how impatient I can be when eagerly anticipating a film. The concept, even from the trailer alone, grabbed my attention immediately. Having Josh Hartnett play a serial killer is a compelling choice for any actor, but knowing that Shyamalan is behind this brilliant idea makes it a win-win situation for an actor whose recognition as a great talent is long overdue.

“Trap” centers around Cooper Adams (Josh Hartnett), a loving and caring father who, after his daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue) is traumatized by recent events, decides to treat her to a Lady Raven (Saleka Shyamalan) concert, featuring the most popular pop star. As the show is about to begin, the audience fills the empty seats, and outside, police officers and a SWAT team are ready to catch a vicious, dangerous, and cold-blooded serial killer they believe is in attendance.

A few minutes into the movie, it is revealed that Cooper is the serial killer. The storyline then focuses on his attempts to evade the police and leave the venue undetected. The introduction of Dr. Josephine Grant (Hayley Mills), an FBI profiler, sets the stage for an intelligent cat-and-mouse game, highlighting her expertise in reading the minds of criminals like Cooper. Known as “The Butcher,” Cooper is depicted as intelligent, manipulative, and a quick thinker with an enviable amount of patience. He is calm, composed, and knows exactly what he is doing, but he is about to meet his match.

Each scene raises numerous questions. Delving deeply into each one might reveal how simple and dull the storyline could be. However, when you set aside criticism and enjoy Josh Hartnett’s portrayal of a smart, intelligent killer, it delivers more satisfaction than ever. The script allows Hartnett to showcase his acting ability, a wide range of facial expressions, and the extent of his fitness as an actor to capture the terrifying look of a person hiding behind the mask of a married and loving husband.

The central question arises: how can someone love one day and kill the next? The film’s climax reveals that every psychopath is not as smart as they think if the person living with them pays attention to their actions and casts doubt on certain behaviors. The biggest takeaway is not how the police ended up at the concert, but what led to it—circumstances, people, and actions that the person thought were undetectable but in reality, were not. That’s the beauty of storytelling when it doesn’t shy away from getting to the bottom of issues, even if it may never provide all the answers but instead offers a bit of brainstorming, which is pretty cool in its own way.

While some viewers may be displeased with certain aspects of the film, those who remain open-minded will find it a great watch, worth every minute. “Trap” marks a masterful comeback for Hartnett, who once again proves he is an A-list actor deserving of recognition. The combination of Shyamalan’s direction and Hartnett’s performance makes “Trap” a memorable thriller that stands out in its genre.

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