“Trap” centers around an intense premise involving a serial killer manhunt set against the backdrop of a pop concert. This unique setting contrasts sharply with the grandiosity of current pop culture phenomena like Era Tours and stadium performances. The film’s main attraction, fictional popstar Lady Raven, played by Saleka, adds a layer of authenticity and excitement to the narrative.
Director M. Night Shyamalan opted for a groundbreaking approach by choosing to film a live concert sequence. According to Josh Hartnett, who stars in the film, the scene involved “thousands” of extras, enhancing the realism of the setting. Shyamalan highlights that filming live allowed for genuine audience reactions, blending the concert’s energy with the film’s storyline.
Shyamalan emphasizes that integrating real-time elements was crucial for creating a believable experience. He explains that the live performance—complete with real lighting, audience reactions, and choreography—contributes to the film’s authenticity. This approach ensures that every detail, from the singer’s performance to the crowd’s response, is harmoniously aligned with the narrative.
The director believes that this method avoids the “uncanny valley” effect, where audiences can sense artificiality in a scene. By capturing the performance live, Shyamalan aimed to create an immersive experience that feels genuine and immediate, avoiding the detachment often associated with post-production enhancements.
“Trap” is set to premiere in UK cinemas on August 9. For more insights, listeners can tune into the Inside Total Film podcast, where Shyamalan discusses the film further. The episode will be available on popular platforms such as Apple, Audioboom, and Spotify.