‘The Trap’ Review: Exploring Trust and Memory in a Gripping Thriller

‘The Trap’, known in Germany as ‘Die Falle’, premieres on Netflix today, October 13, as a six-episode miniseries with all episodes available for streaming. This adaptation of Melanie Raabe’s 2015 debut novel comes from writer and director Isabel Kleefeld and the talented team behind ‘Dear Child’, the acclaimed German thriller that won an International Emmy. With such a pedigree, my expectations were high even before the first scene unfolded.

The story follows Lisa Konrad, a bestselling author who has remained in her villa for nearly a decade, haunted by the memory of her sister Anna, who was found fatally wounded. The killer was never apprehended, but when Lisa thinks she recognizes him on television, she devises a plan. She writes a crime novel inspired by Anna’s murder and invites journalist Robert Lenzen for an exclusive interview, using herself as bait.

This is where ‘The Trap’ truly captivated me, as the central question shifts from whether Robert is guilty to whether Lisa can trust her own memories. After years of medication and therapy, her recollections blur the lines between reality and fiction. This uncertainty is the most original aspect of the series, offering more depth than a typical whodunit.

Friederike Becht shines as Lisa, portraying her as both frightened and fiercely determined, leaving viewers uncertain about her true motivations. Hans Löw plays Robert with an affable yet enigmatic demeanor, while Matthias Brandt as her publisher and Miriam Ohlmeyer in flashbacks as the younger Lisa add significant depth to the narrative. Cinematographer Martin Langer skillfully blends memory and imagination into vivid, dreamlike visuals that enhance the story.

At the heart of the narrative is the bond between sisters. Lisa describes Anna as flawless, yet the flashbacks gradually reveal imperfections in that memory, transforming the series into a poignant exploration of how grief alters our perception of those we’ve lost. This emotional layer infuses the thriller with genuine heart, even as the plot occasionally falters.

A pivotal moment occurs in episode four when Robert finally enters Lisa’s home, making the anticipation worthwhile. Her preparations—ranging from stopping her medication to training with an interrogation expert—add to the tension, making their face-to-face encounter crackle with discomfort. Following this, the pace picks up with a series of revelations.

However, I do have some criticisms. The story requires a suspension of disbelief, often relying on convenient plot devices and motivations that don’t fully resonate. The middle episodes tend to drag before regaining momentum.

The series frequently shifts between memory, imagination, and Lisa’s own novel, which is clever in concept but can become exhausting when it’s unclear which flashback is unfolding. The final act also trades psychological tension for a more conventional crime narrative, which felt disappointing after such an intriguing setup. Viewers expecting the sharp twists of ‘Dear Child’ may find the revelations softer and the tone less dark, though one lingering question at the end stayed with me.

Ultimately, I found the experience enjoyable despite its detours. This is a binge-worthy psychological thriller featuring a magnetic lead, a clever central premise, and an ending that provokes thought, even if it doesn’t fulfill all the promises of its setup. My final verdict is 7 out of 10.

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments about my verdict on ‘The Trap’ and whether you trusted Lisa’s memory all the way to the final scene.