Critics missed the mark for this made horror film with a 57% on Rotten Tomatoes.

There's no denying that 2024 was a big year for horror and thrillers. And in a summer full of cinema offers, Catch managed to stand out with a rather divisive response. Director: M. Night Shyamalan, a name synonymous with polarizing cinema, Catch was condemned as allegedly contrived, overwritten and full of unpleasant dialogue, landing at 57% on Rotten Tomatoes.

But for all its flaws, “Trap” has quickly gained an underground following of viewers who view it as an inventive, fast-paced thriller with enough tension and thematic subtext to warrant a second look. Similar to the unhinged, unbelievable, but still incredibly fun Malignantthis film created something funny and very worth watching. Through Shyamalan's distinctive direction, Josh Hartnett's intense lead performance and some intriguing themes, Catch has become an unexpected gem in the horror genre – one that critics may have been too quick to judge.

Shyamalan's directorial choices make Trap worth watching

Love him or hate him, M. Night Shyamalan has always brought a unique visual language to his films that sets him apart from other horror and thriller directors. Known for his use of atmospheric tension, eerie silences, twisted plots and unorthodox storytelling, Shyamalan has created a unique brand. With Catchhe once again demonstrates his talent for creating intense, groundbreaking tension with his very own style. His direction here uses tight framing and atmospheric lighting to create a feeling of claustrophobic tension. And from the opening sequence to the final act, Shyamalan uses misdirection and clever camera angles to keep the audience guessing about what Cooper – aka the Butcher – will do next. In fact, his scenes are carefully crafted to make the viewer feel trapped alongside Cooper.

Of course, it is not the first time that Shyamalan has captivated audiences with a mysterious atmosphere and innovative images. In The sixth senseShyamalan used soft lighting, cold tones, and restrained close-ups to emphasize the haunting, almost suffocating presence of the supernatural surrounding the protagonist. This approach has paid off and consolidated The sixth sense as a critically acclaimed masterpiece. Sign Similarly, Shyamalan demonstrated his penchant for carefully timed tension, using dim lighting, long takes, and eerie silences to create a sense of unease even in everyday environments such as cornfields and single-family homes. In Signas in CatchShyamalan builds tension by staging each scene, subtly encouraging the audience to feel fear long before the plot actually unfolds.

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But while his strengths in visual storytelling have been praised in certain films, Shyamalan's work has just as often been criticized for elements that were outside his directorial abilities, such as his dialogue and plot twists. The villagefor example, elicited mixed reactions; While some praised the atmospheric visuals and tense mood, others found the plot twists contrived and the dialogue clunky, which detracted from immersion. Similar, Lady in the water attempted to create a complicated fairy tale, but the story's ambition overshadowed its suspense, and the themes that emerged at first glance caused critics to distort it.

With CatchCritics have once again focused on Shyamalan's script and perceived dialogue problems, calling the film “contrived” and “unbelievable.” But that actually makes them part of the fun. And in doing so, they seemed to overlook the director's masterful pacing and visual mastery. Every action in Catch is carefully crafted to build tension, with moments of quiet eeriness punctuated by bursts of frenetic intensity. Shyamalan's direction pushes the story toward a more immersive horror experience than a traditional thriller, demonstrating his trademark ability to visually heighten tension – even when dialogue and realism may fall short.

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The choice of tight, closed shots in “Trap” reinforces the sense of confinement and helplessness that Cooper feels. Shyamalan's direction is able to take the film to a higher level and keep it exciting and visually captivating. Instead of focusing solely on awkward lines or believability, critics might have benefited from acknowledging Shyamalan's ability to create mood and atmosphere. His signature style can transform even a flawed narrative into a captivating spectacle.

Josh Hartnett's performance adds depth to the camp

One of the greatest strengths of Catch is Josh Hartnett's portrayal of Cooper, a complex character who finds himself in a dangerous situation with few resources. Hartnett's recent renaissance has been particularly welcome, and his performance is no exception. Although he was often cast as a heartthrob during his 2000s heyday, he has explored some darker and overall interesting role choices. In Catchhe brings a level of vulnerability and desperation that underlies the film. By playing against type, Hartnett allows the character's flaws to be seen and have a greater impact on the audience. Viewers are primed to side with Hartnett as a handsome, charming leading man who contrasts enough to make him a smart choice with the darker reality of Cooper. Even down to the detail of him deciding to take off his shirt during the monologue before attempting to kill his wife, it's disarming and perfectly acted.

Cooper is impulsive, prone to panic and sometimes completely overwhelmed. It's a portrayal that refuses to sanitize Cooper's struggle, giving him a rawness that defines him Catch feel both over-the-top and emotionally compelling. Critics may have criticized the film's campy tone and bizarre dialogue, calling it unrealistic, but Hartnett's portrayal takes these quirks into account. He makes Cooper's strange decisions and frantic reactions the core of his character. While some may have seen this heightened energy as a flaw, Hartnett leans into it, embodying a sort of retro-horror protagonist who isn't always likeable or logical. His awkwardness has a charm and reflects the film's unconventional tone.

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Some critics viewed Hartnett's performance as inconsistent and struggled to balance fear with realism. But it is precisely this tension that makes him a convincing leading role. Hartnett's ability to bring humor and desperation together is great Catch a unique flavor that allows it to function as both a thriller and a low-key character study. Unlike more sophisticated horror protagonists, Cooper feels like someone whose survival instincts are as chaotic as his situation, making his journey a mix of suspense and dark comedy.

The exaggerated style of the film and the actors underscores the film's commentary on the lengths people go to under pressure. At times, Cooper's “Oh shit” lucidity is almost reminiscent of Christian Bale's Patrick Bateman talking about Huey Lewis and the news right before he tunes in American Psycho. And he doesn't shy away from the duality of a truly human killer. Cooper is always both the butcher and a very caring father who loves his daughter.

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Cooper's attempts to evade capture, often bordering on the absurd, reflect the reality that people do not always act rationally in extreme situations. In the film's final act, we learn that he had a troubled relationship with his overbearing mother, which explains a kind of mental trap in which Cooper was trapped for decades. These “mommy issues,” rooted in a childhood marked by constant criticism and emotional neglect, played a small role in who he became today, as he uses trauma as an excuse to act out.

Trap is an underrated horror gem

Films often fall into the trap of becoming too self-serious. But Catch plays its story with a tongue-in-cheek sensitivity and feels almost like a throwback to the fun, fast-paced and heightened atmosphere of the mid-budget thrillers of the '90s. This makes going to the cinema fun.

While Catch It may not be without its flaws, but critics don't seem to appreciate what it's all about. They judge it based on their own preconceived expectations instead of enjoying the ride for what it is. M. Night Shyamalan's direction, Josh Hartnett's committed performance, the internet's instant love for Jonathan Langdon's concert collaborator Jamie and his infamous “It's a trap!” The whole thing is a setup!” and the film’s non-stop twists and thwarted escape routes combine to create something of an experience that is both campy and intense. The critics may have only seen the awkward dialogue and over-the-top moments, but Catch has much more to offer.

True to M. Night Shyamalan's style, plot details remain under wraps. What we do know is that the film is centered around a concert setting and explores themes of tension and psychological manipulation. Expect unexpected twists, shocking revelations and a chilling atmosphere.

director

M. Night Shyamalan

Release date

August 2, 2024

Pour

Josh Hartnett, Hayley Mills, Marnie McPhail, Vanessa Smythe, Saleka Shyamalan, Malik Jubal, Jonathan Langdon, Peter D'Souza, Ty Pravong, Kaitlyn Dallan

writer

M. Night Shyamalan

Studio(s)

Blinding Edge Pictures, New Line Cinema

Sales partner

Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema

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