THE TREND · A FIELD GUIDE
What Is the “I Love the Smiths” Trend? The Elevator Scene and Song
The trend reimagines the elevator encounter in (500) Days of Summer. Summer recognizes the Smiths song Tom is listening to: “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out.”

Watch the scene in three beats

Headphones separate two people sharing an elevator.

One recognizes the song and breaks the silence.

The listener turns: a small reaction makes the encounter memorable.
Third-party reference · @meowtakeover ↗
Third-party reference · @acervosoylunaofc ↗
Where does the scene come from?
In the 2009 film (500) Days of Summer, Tom is listening to The Smiths on headphones when Summer recognizes the music in an elevator. The song in the film is “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” by The Smiths. A small shared taste becomes an opening to a conversation—and, for Tom, a moment that feels bigger than the ride itself.
The appeal is in that pause: one person is in their own world; the other finds a way in. You don’t need to know the whole film to understand the feeling of being surprised by something you have in common. The film’s official page has more about the original story.
What is the AI trend?
People reimagine the encounter with a different pair in the two roles. Some versions play with familiar relationships or unexpected combinations; the shared setup makes the contrast easy to recognize. Versions and tools vary, so a clip you see elsewhere is not evidence of what this site can produce.
For a sense of the range, @meowtakeover’s two-cat version puts animals into the familiar encounter; @mojemanvlogs’ “our version” is a live-action couple’s take. These are other creators’ posts, not videos made with this site. Watch how each creator times the turn.
Try the same beat with your own cast. Who would look up first? Check Create for current video availability.
Is there a CapCut template?
Some people look for this scene in CapCut or use editing tools to assemble their own take. Template availability, input steps, and rights can change; check the current listing in the app before you start. We have not verified a particular template or a working CapCut workflow, and this site is not a CapCut template.
Choose the two roles
The person absorbed in the music, then surprised by the conversation.
The person who notices the music and breaks the silence.
Think about the dynamic you want, not who resembles a character in the film. Put the quieter person in headphones for a familiar setup, or reverse the roles for a playful surprise. Friends, partners, and other consenting people can all be part of your idea.
Prepare for your version
Choose a clear photo of each person with their permission. Even lighting and an unobstructed face are sensible starting points. There is no need to share a photo to use the planning tool.
Music, dialogue, film footage, and a person’s likeness have separate rights. The original song and sound have not been confirmed for our maker. If you make or share something elsewhere, check what you have permission to use.
Frequently asked questions
Is this an official film template?
No. This is an independent project, not affiliated with the film, its creators, or The Smiths.
Can I create the video here today?
Check Create for current video availability. You can also decide and copy your role plan there.
Planning a scene with your partner? Read our guide to making the idea personal.