Ariel Donoghue, a rising star in the film industry, recently captivated audiences in M. Night Shyamalan’s latest thriller, Trap. While her performance in this film is garnering attention, Donoghue’s journey in acting began long before in Australia, where she was born in March 2010. Her career took off in 2014 with various short films before transitioning to television, where she secured small roles in the series High Life. In 2022, she showcased her talent in the Australian drama Blueback, portraying a younger version of a character originally played by Mia Wasikowska. Now, with her role in Trap, Donoghue reaches a wider audience, further establishing her place in the industry.
Ariel Donoghue in M. Night Shyamalan’s Trap
Riley: The Daughter of Cooper
In Trap, Donoghue plays the pivotal role of Riley, the daughter of the main character, Cooper, portrayed by Josh Hartnett. Riley’s enthusiasm for the concert of the fictional pop star Lady Raven (played by Saleka Night Shyamalan) sets the stage for the film’s unsettling narrative. Unbeknownst to her, her father harbors a dark secret, making their seemingly loving relationship unsettling in light of Cooper’s criminal activities.
As events unfold, Riley becomes increasingly aware of her father’s odd behavior as he attempts to evade the police. The emotional core of the story is illuminated when Cooper uses his daughter’s health struggles as a cover for his plans, leading to a complicated and tense climax involving Lady Raven. In a poignant moment, Cooper and Riley share a heartfelt goodbye as he is apprehended, leaving the audience grappling with the tragedy of their familial bond amidst chaos.
The Dynamics of Cooper and Riley
Interestingly, while some sources reference the characters as the Adams family, a mid-credits scene confirms their last name as “Abbott.”Regardless, what stands out is Donoghue’s ability to present Riley as a cheerful yet complex character, effectively capturing innocence in the face of horror. Her performance balances the emotional weight of the narrative, conveying genuine confusion as her father’s facade crumbles.
Breakthrough Role: Wolf Like Me
An Underrated Australian Horror Comedy-Drama
Prior to her role in Trap, Ariel Donoghue gained recognition in the Australian series Wolf Like Me, which debuted in January 2022. In this innovative horror-comedy-drama, she portrays Emma, the young daughter of Gary (played by Josh Gad), as he navigates life after the loss of his wife. The series artfully balances humor with the peculiar challenges of dating a werewolf, embodied by Mary (Isla Fisher).
Despite initial mixed reviews, with a 58% rating for its first season and a remarkable 100% for the second on Rotten Tomatoes, Wolf Like Me is celebrated for its intriguing blend of genres and character chemistry, successfully shifting from comedic tones to deeper emotional arcs in its second season.
Emma: A Compelling Performance
Exploring Complex Emotions
Donoghue’s portrayal of Emma showcases her ability to navigate a range of emotions in a youthful character grappling with the trauma of her mother’s death. This role allows her to exhibit vulnerability while showing strength through her precocious nature. The multi-layered script requires her to interpret feelings of anxiety, sadness, and cleverness, which she executes with remarkable maturity for her age.
Future Prospects for Ariel Donoghue
Potential for a Sequel to Trap
Currently, Ariel Donoghue has no publicized upcoming projects, but that is likely to change as a young actress forging her career. At only 15 in 2025, she balances her budding career with the demands of adolescence. However, speculation about a potential sequel to Trap remains tantalizing. Both M. Night Shyamalan and Josh Hartnett have expressed interest in revisiting the story, with Shyamalan stating:
“I loved this movie and I wanted to be with this music and these characters… it was such a joyful experience…”
If a sequel comes to fruition, Donoghue’s return as Riley is essential. The emotional depth of her character adds a profound layer to the story’s dynamic, and exploring her relationship with Cooper in the wake of his eventual capture would provide a compelling narrative arc for the film. Donoghue’s talent promises to deliver a complex portrayal in any future endeavors.