M. Night Shyamalan Introduced ‘Trap’ as ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ at Taylor Swift Concert

Director M. Night Shyamalan’s film “Trap” drew inspiration from a few unexpected sources, which becomes apparent when watching its latest trailer.

Speaking to Empire, Shyamalan said his pitch for the film was simple and concise: “What if ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ took place at a Taylor Swift concert?”

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The image of a cannibalistic psychiatrist at an “Eras Tour” concert might be funny, but the latest trailer for “Trap” isn’t far from that scenario.

Josh Harnett plays a father who accompanies his daughter to a concert by a fictional pop star named Lady Raven, played by Shyamalan’s daughter Saleka. But the venue is surrounded by police, and Harnett’s character learns that the concert is a sting operation to capture a serial killer named “The Butcher.”

The trailer strongly suggests that Harnett will play this killer, as he is seen setting several traps to wreak havoc and evade authorities.

Shyamalan called the film “very scary and Hitchcockian.” He added that it was partly inspired by Operation Flagship, a 1985 operation in which U.S. Marshals lured fugitives into a convention center with the promise of NFL tickets.

The director also detailed the fictional Lady Raven concert that was staged for the film. “And[the concert]wasn’t just a background element. It’s equally important,” Shyamalan told Empire. “There’s no fake concert. I like the idea of ​​cinema as windows within windows. One of the reasons you have to come see the movie in a theater is that there’s literally a real concert that you can’t see anywhere else except in this movie.”

The film’s promotion heavily highlights Saleka Shyamalan’s role as Lady Raven — perhaps in the hope that Saleka’s music will be the Philadelphia area’s next big export.

“Trap” hits theaters on August 2. Watch the new trailer below: