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M. Night Shyamalan’slatest thriller,Trap, may not have lived up to the high expectations set by his previous films, but fans won’t have to wait long to catch it from the comfort of their homes.
Despite underperforming in theaters, the movie is set for an early digital release, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Let’s dive into what went wrong at the box office, why it’s worth a watch, and when and where you can stream it soon.
Josh Hartnett in “Trap.” Warner Bros. Pictures
A High-Stakes Thriller with Shyamalan’s Signature Twist
Traphit theaters onAugust 2, 2024,and promised the psychological thrills that fans of Shyamalan have come to expect.
With a storyline revolving around a father and his teenage daughter caught in the crossfire of a serial killer’s rampage during a pop concert, the film’s premise seemed ripe for edge-of-your-seat suspense.
Add to this a talented cast, including Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Hayley Mills, Alison Pill, and Shyamalan’s own daughter, Saleka Night Shyamalan, and you have the makings of what could be a psychological rollercoaster.
But what happens when the hype doesn’t match the reality?
Despite the star power and the familiar Shyamalan twist,Trapfailed to capture the audience’s imagination, resulting in a lackluster performance at theboxoffice.
With a reported production budget of $30 million, the movie’s initial $15.45 million opening weekend and a current domestic gross of $36.81 million show that it barely made a ripple in the competitive summer movie landscape.
TRAP (2024) Streaming: August 30, 2024 PVOD (Apple, Amazon, Google, etc.)#TrapMovie Added to our streaming calendar:https://t.co/D2Qz2IILfR
The buzz surrounding these high-profile movies likely drew attention away fromTrap, making it difficult for the film to find its footing.
When audiences have limited time and money, they tend to gravitate toward the sure bets — the films with guaranteed star power or built-in fan bases.
Mixed Reviews and Audience Reception
Shyamalan is no stranger to polarized reactions. His films often walk a fine line between brilliance and bewilderment, leaving audiences either in awe or scratching their heads.
Trapwas no different, garnering mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. It holds a modest 6.2 rating on IMDb, whileRottenTomatoes reports a Tomatometer score of 55% from critics, with the audience score faring slightly better at 65%.
These numbers suggest that whileTrapdidn’t strike a chord with everyone, it did manage to engage a segment of its viewers.
Some praised its tense atmosphere and unpredictable plot twists, while others felt it fell short of Shyamalan’s best work.
This mixed reception may have further contributed to its underwhelming box office performance, as word of mouth is a powerful force in drawing moviegoers.
The Digital Release
While the theatrical run might not have been as successful as anticipated, Shyamalan’sTrapis finding a second chance with its upcoming digital release.
According toreports, the movie will be available on various OTT platforms, including Apple, Amazon, and Google, starting August 30, 2024.
This early release, just 28 days after its theatrical debut, is a clear sign of adapting to the current market dynamics, where digital platforms have become a crucial space for film consumption.
In a world where viewers increasingly prefer streaming content from their couches,Trap’smove to OTT could be a strategic pivot.
Digital releases can often breathe new life into movies that didn’t fare well in theaters. By tapping into the vast online audience,Traphas the opportunity to reach more viewers, many of whom may have been hesitant to visit the cinema.
The convenience of on-demand viewing, coupled with the movie’s intriguing premise, could lead to a broader appreciation of Shyamalan’s latest work.
What to Expect from the OTT Experience
For those planning to watchTraponline, there’s a lot to look forward to. Shyamalan’s films are known for their atmospheric tension and intricate storytelling.
Trapcontinues this tradition, with a storyline that keeps viewers guessing and a visual style that draws them into its world.
The move to digital platforms means you can experience these elements up close and personal, pausing to catch the subtle hints Shyamalan famously weaves into his narratives.
Streaming also allows for a more personal viewing experience. There’s something to be said for watching a thriller alone at night, the suspense amplified by the dark, quiet setting of your own living room.
The digital release ofTrapprovides that option, making the experience more immersive and engaging.
The Shyamalan Factor: WhyTrapis Still Worth Watching
Despite its underwhelming box office numbers,Trapis still a Shyamalan film — and that means there’s more than meets the eye.
Shyamalan has built a career on surprising audiences, and his storytelling is always layered with deeper meanings and unexpected twists. Even in films that haven’t been universally acclaimed, there’s a certain craft and care that goes into his work.
His ability to create tension and his focus on characters and their emotional journeys are hallmarks of his style.
InTrap, the themes of fear, survival, and the lengths a parent will go to protect their child are likely to resonate with many viewers.
The inclusion of a pop concert setting adds a unique element, making the experience relatable to anyone who’s ever been in a crowded, chaotic environment.
The contrast between the excitement of a concert and the terror of being trapped with a killer creates a compelling dynamic, one that’s sure to keep viewers on edge.
The move to digital platforms could very well be the saving grace forTrap. With the crowded theater landscape, many potential viewers might have skipped the film simply due to timing or preference for other releases.
By bringingTrapto OTT, Shyamalan and the film’s distributors are meeting audiences where they are, providing them with the flexibility to watch on their terms.
Moreover, the film’s underperformance at the box office doesn’t necessarily reflect its quality.
Many films have found new life and success after disappointing theatrical runs, thanks to the broader reach of digital streaming.
By allowing viewers to discoverTrapat their own pace, Shyamalan’s thriller could gain the recognition it might have missed during its initial release.
Table: Box Office Performance of M. Night Shyamalan’s Recent Films
Movie Title
Release Year
Domestic Box Office Gross
Worldwide Box Office Gross
Production Budget
Rotten Tomatoes Score
The Sixth Sense
1999
$293 million
$672 million
$40 million
86%
Signs
2002
$227 million
$408 million
$72 million
74%
The Village
2004
$114 million
$256 million
$60 million
43%
Lady in the Water
2006
$42 million
$72 million
$70 million
25%
The Happening
2008
$64 million
$163 million
$48 million
18%
The Visit
2015
$65 million
$98 million
$5 million
68%
Split
2017
$138 million
$278 million
$9 million
77%
Glass
2019
$111 million
$247 million
$20 million
37%
Old
2021
$48 million
$90 million
$18 million
50%
Trap
2024
$36.81 million
$64.11 million
$30 million
55%
A snapshot of whereTrapstands in relation to Shyamalan’s other works, giving context to its box office performance and critical reception.
Key Insights:
Trapis among Shyamalan’s lower-grossing films, both domestically and globally, compared to hits likeThe Sixth SenseandSplit.
With a production budget of $30 million,Traphasn’t yet doubled its budget in global earnings, a common benchmark for profitability in the film industry.
Critical reception, represented by Rotten Tomatoes scores, shows thatTraphas received mixed reviews, slightly better than some of Shyamalan’s other films, such asThe Happening.
Final Thoughts: A Second Chance forTrap
Shyamalan’sTrapis a prime example of how filmmakers and studios are adapting to changing viewer habits.
While the movie may not have set the box office on fire, its transition to OTT platforms offers a fresh start, one that could resonate with Shyamalan’s dedicated fanbase and new viewers alike.
Whether you’re a longtime follower of M. Night Shyamalan or simply a fan of psychological thrillers,Trapoffers a suspenseful ride worth taking.
With its digital release just around the corner, now is the perfect time to mark your calendars and prepare for a cinematic experience that, while different from a theater visit, promises the same chills and thrills.
As the film world continues to adapt and evolve, one thing remains certain: the allure of a good thriller is timeless, andTrapjust might be the next film to capture that essence.
M. Night Shyamalan’s risky self-financing run continues with ‘Trap’ | AP interview
Last Updated: August 25, 2024
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