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A warning, this episode includes mention of suicide. The horror movie Smile was a massive hit.

It's about a psychiatrist who becomes possessed by a terrifying entity after witnessing a suicide

all adding up to a creepy film about the weight of trauma.

Its flashy new sequel finds the entity infecting a new host, a pop star who's about to head out on

tour after experiencing a trauma of her own. And Smile II has a lot to say about the horrors

of pop stardom. I'm Stephen Thompson and today we are talking about Smile 2 on Pop Culture Happy Hour from NPR.

Joining me today is freelance music and culture journalist, Rianna Cruz, hey Riana, Rieana.

How do?

Also with us is Jordan Cruciola, she's a writer and producer,

and the host of the podcast Feeling Scene,

on Maximum Fun, hey Jordan.

Hello, thank you so much for having me.

It is a pleasure to have you both here.

So in the first Smile film, an invisible demonic entity

infects its host via an unusual method.

Over the course of several days, it takes over its victim's mind,

compelling that person to take their own life in front of another person

who is then infected.

At key moments, there's a deeply unsettling smile involved, hence the title.

...