The surreal melodrama Mother Mary stars Anne Hathaway as a Gaga-esque pop star, facing an existential crisis.

And so she turns to her former costume designer and estranged friend, played by Michaela Cole, to find herself again.

The movie's tagline warns us that this is not a love story and it's not a ghost

story, but there is some complicated love and there might be a ghost. So what is it exactly?

I'm not sure about that, but at least there's one thing that's for sure. This is a visual

marvel to behold. I'm Ayesha Harris and today we're're talking about Mother Mary on Pop Culture Happy Hour from NPR.

Showing me today is NPR producer Mark Rivers.

Hello, Mark.

Hey, Ayesha, thanks for having me.

Great to have you.

And also with us is Sydney Madden.

She's a music and culture critic. Welcome back, Sydney. What's up, Aisha? Thanks for having me. Great to have you. And also with us is Sydney Madden. She's a music and culture critic.

Welcome back, Sydney.

What's up, Aisha?

Thanks for having me. Great to have you both. So Anne Hathaway plays the titular Mother Mary, a highly theatrical pop star who's at a personal and artistic crossroads. just a few days away from a highly anticipated comeback performance,

she shows up

out of the blue on the doorstep of her former bestie and costume designer Sam, who she hasn't

spoken to in years. Sam's played by Michaela Cole. Now, she wants Sam to design her look for the

show, something that will feel like herself. Will you let me do whatever I like?

Yes.

Will you do exactly as I say?

Yes.

...