The pulse-racing mystery thriller starring Josh Hartnett is set to captivate audiences on August 9th. M. Night Shyamalan tantalizes fans, revealing that 'Trap' is not just a thriller-mystery, but also a concert film in disguise. In a recent interview with Empire magazine, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker divulged the intriguing concept behind his upcoming film starring Hartnett. When queried about how he pitched the movie, Shyamalan mischievously responded, "Imagine if 'The Silence of the Lambs' unfolded amidst the frenzy of a Taylor Swift concert?"
'Trap' follows a father (Hartnett) and his teenage daughter (Ariel Donoghue) who eagerly attend a pop concert by Lady Raven (portrayed by Shyamalan's daughter, Saleka Shyamalan). However, they soon realize they've stumbled into the epicenter of a sinister scheme — a police operation designed to capture a cunning serial killer.
Shyamalan revealed that the film was partly inspired by the "bizarre yet humorous" real-life 'Operation Flagship' of 1985, a sting operation conducted by U.S. Marshals and the DC Metropolitan Police Department that tricked over 100 wanted fugitives into a stadium with the promise of free NFL tickets, leading to their arrest. He further added that his daughter's burgeoning music career also lent a hand in shaping the narrative.
"I directed an entire concert!" he exclaimed to Empire. "And it wasn't just a backdrop. It's a pivotal part of the story. There's no fake concert here. I adore the concept of cinema as a window to another world. One of the prime reasons to watch this film in theaters is because you'll witness a genuine concert, unseen anywhere else but on the big screen."
The writer-director behind 'Knock at the Cabin' emphasized his desire for the film to offer viewers an original and unparalleled experience. "I firmly believe in the power of original storytelling," Shyamalan added. "I want the industry to embrace more originality. I think audiences would relish it. I understand the comfort of IPs, but it's crucial that we step into the theaters and witness something unprecedented. I'll continue to advocate for that." 'Trap', distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, will hit theaters on August 9th.
