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M. Night Shyamalan’s career in Hollywood remains one of the most intriguing and unpredictable. Despite occasional misfires, his dedication to creating tense, high-concept, and original films sets him apart. His latest project, “Trap,” exemplifies this commitment. After enjoying a respectable box office run, “Trap” will be available for digital purchase at midnight on August 30 ET / 9:00 PM PT on August 29 via platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV. While still showing in theaters, the film can be bought for $24.99 in SD, HD, or UHD formats and rented for $19.99.
The narrative centers around Josh Hartnett, who plays Cooper, a devoted father taking his daughter to a concert reminiscent of the Eras Tour. Unbeknownst to his daughter, Cooper is also “the Butcher,” a notorious serial killer whom the police have trapped inside the stadium. This twist, prominently featured in the film’s marketing materials, becomes apparent early in the story.
Currently, “Trap” is not available for streaming and can only be purchased or rented on sites like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. For those who prefer to stream, it’s highly likely that “Trap” will eventually be available on Max. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures—a company under the Warner Bros. Discovery umbrella along with Max—the film’s DVD and Blu-Ray release is scheduled for November 5 and is available for pre-order on Target and Amazon.
Hartnett has embraced his “indie weirdo” persona, as he explained to Rolling Stone that he was captivated by Shyamalan’s script due to its uniqueness. “It’s like viewing ‘Die Hard’ from Hans Gruber’s perspective. It’s high-concept entertainment for a wide audience, but completely fresh. No need for existing IP or sequels to entertain the viewers—that’s rare these days.”
Rolling Stone critic David Fear labeled the film an “[instant] camp classic,” predicting it would become a cult favorite akin to “Showgirls,” with future midnight screenings where fans enthusiastically quote lines and emulate Hartnett’s normcore Norman Bates-inspired look. While the storyline may stretch plausibility, Hartnett’s portrayal has been lauded for skillfully oscillating between a loving father and a dangerous criminal.
“Trap” delves into the dual themes of hunting serial killers and fatherhood. This year, M. Night Shyamalan further solidified his reputation as the ultimate girl dad. He produced “The Watchers,” his daughter Ishana’s directorial debut starring Dakota Fanning. Additionally, his daughter Saleka plays Lady Raven, a fictional pop star in “Trap,” and contributed by writing and performing songs for the film.
In essence, “Trap” showcases Shyamalan’s enduring talent for crafting gripping narratives while highlighting his personal connections and family collaborations within the film industry.
