M. Night Shyamalan’s 2024 thriller, Trap, follows a gripping cat-and-mouse game between the FBI and a calculated serial killer. The film introduces Cooper (Josh Hartnett), a suburban father with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who harbors a sinister secret as The Butcher. The narrative unfolds at a pop concert where the FBI sets up a sting operation to apprehend him, unaware that Cooper is always a step ahead.
Cooper and his daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue) attend a concert headlined by pop star Lady Raven (Saleka Shyamalan). Unbeknownst to Cooper, the FBI has orchestrated an operation to capture him at the event. When he realizes their plan, he devises a meticulous escape strategy, ensuring that Riley remains oblivious to his true identity. His calculated nature is put to the test as he navigates through an arena swarming with federal agents.
Lady Raven Outsmarts Cooper and Turns His Own Schemes Against Him
In an unexpected twist, Cooper finds an unlikely ally in Lady Raven. He manipulates her into assisting his escape by threatening the life of a captive victim, Spencer. Under duress, she helps Cooper and Riley leave the venue in her limousine. However, Lady Raven had her own plan, subtly laying the groundwork for his capture. She tricks Cooper into letting her visit Riley’s home, where she gains access to his phone and alerts her massive social media following about Spencer’s whereabouts, ultimately leading to his rescue.
Josh Hartnett as Cooper and Ariel Donoghue as Riley (Photo: Trap/Warner Bros. Pictures)As the tension escalates, Cooper’s carefully crafted plans begin to unravel. At Riley’s home, Lady Raven takes a bold step, locking herself in a bathroom and exposing Cooper’s secrets to the world. With no time to waste, Cooper violently breaks down the door but is forced to retreat when Rachel (Alison Pill), Riley’s mother, and others block his path. Despite his attempts to blend in by stealing a S.W.A.T. uniform, Cooper is ultimately cornered.
Cooper’s Downfall is a Deadly Game of Obsession, Deception, and Psychological Manipulation
Cooper’s downfall is cemented when he returns home and confronts Rachel, who reveals that she was the one who tipped off the police. Knowing Cooper’s obsessive tendencies, she persuades him to share one last meal—Riley’s homemade pie, laced with the same drugs he used on his victims. As he loses consciousness, the FBI moves in to finally capture him.
Throughout the film, Cooper is tormented by hallucinations of his abusive mother. FBI profiler Dr. Josephine Grant (Hayley Mills) cleverly exploits this psychological weakness, posing as his mother in his drugged state. She convinces him to surrender, allowing S.W.A.T. officers to subdue him. This psychological twist underscores the deep-rooted trauma that shaped his dual life.
Cooper’s OCD is a recurring theme in the film, influencing even his most violent acts. In a chilling scene, he neatly folds his shirt before confronting Rachel, a subtle but powerful display of his compulsions. Hartnett explained that this moment emphasizes Cooper’s need for order, which contrasts sharply with his chaotic double life as The Butcher.
The film’s final moments suggest that Cooper may have one last trick up his sleeve. While being transported in a police truck, he discreetly removes a spoke from Riley’s bike and uses it to free himself from his handcuffs. The movie ends with a sinister grin, leaving audiences questioning whether The Butcher has truly been caught. While a sequel isn’t confirmed, the enthusiastic audience response hints that the story of Trap may not be over just yet.
