Night Shyamalan, the master of the twist ending, has returned with Trap, a film that seems determined to outdo itself in the realm of contrived plot turns. While the film boasts a talented cast, including Josh Hartnett as a chillingly enigmatic serial killer, the story ultimately buckles under the weight of its own convoluted narrative.

Hartnett delivers a compelling performance as David, a seemingly ordinary man hiding a dark secret. His meticulous planning and chillingly calm demeanor create a palpable tension that keeps the audience on edge. However, the film’s reliance on a series of increasingly improbable twists undermines the strength of Hartnett’s performance.

The plot centers around a group of friends trapped in a remote cabin during a blizzard. As the storm rages on, a mysterious figure begins picking them off one by one. The early stages of the film are intriguing, with a claustrophobic atmosphere that builds suspense effectively. But as the body count rises, the film throws in an avalanche of twists that feel more like a desperate attempt to shock than genuine narrative progression.

One twist involves a hidden identity that feels like it’s straight out of a bad soap opera. Another involves a time travel element that comes out of nowhere and feels completely unnecessary. These twists, while meant to be surprising, ultimately come across as contrived and distracting.

The film’s pacing is also uneven, with moments of intense suspense followed by long stretches of exposition that drag the story down. The characters, beyond the initial setup, are underdeveloped and their motivations often unclear.

Trap ultimately falls short of the expectations set by Shyamalan’s previous works. While the film possesses some visual merit and a strong performance from Hartnett, its overreliance on contrived twists and its lack of character depth make it a frustrating and ultimately unsatisfying viewing experience.

Overall, Trap is a missed opportunity for M. Night Shyamalan. It’s a film that promises thrills and suspense but ultimately delivers a convoluted and unsatisfying experience.