Pop Culture Happy Hour: "Drop And What's Making Us Happy" Summary

Release Date: April 11, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour, hosted by NPR’s Aisha Harris, the team delves into the recently released thriller film Drop, exploring its intriguing premise, thematic depth, and overall execution. Joining Aisha are former producers and pop culture aficionados Candice Lim and Liz Metzger, who bring their unique perspectives to the discussion.

Discussion on Drop

Drop centers around Violet (played by Megan Fahey), a single mother navigating her first date in years with Henry, portrayed by Brendan Sklennar. The seemingly ordinary evening takes a suspenseful turn when Violet begins receiving increasingly disturbing airdrop messages, escalating into a life-threatening ordeal. Directed by Christopher Landon, known for Happy Death Day and its sequel, Drop weaves elements of digital menace with personal trauma.

Plot and Themes

Candice Lim introduces the film’s core conflict: “Imagine you’re on a date, and suddenly your phone is inundated with airdropped messages from a stranger. That’s the premise of Drop, and it sets up a tense atmosphere where every interaction could be manipulated by the mysterious messenger.” [01:22]

Liz Metzger appreciates the movie’s balance between suspense and character development. “Drop is a great movie to watch with a big audience because it plays with tropes in a fun and engaging way,” she remarks [03:00]. The film’s setting in an upscale Chicago restaurant with quirky characters like the first-day server, played by Jeffrey Self, adds a layer of realism and humor amidst the tension.

Character Performances

Megan Fahey’s portrayal of Violet is a focal point of the discussion. Liz notes, “I like Megan Fahey in everything she does. It is a fun movie, and I have no complaints.” [04:01] Candice echoes this sentiment, highlighting Fahey’s ability to convey both vulnerability and resilience.

The supporting cast, including the expressive server and the super-nice bartender, receive praise for adding depth and charm to the confined setting. “Jeffrey Self is so good as the server on his first day. His timing and expressive faces really elevate the scenes,” states Candice [04:08].

Comparative Analysis

The hosts draw parallels between Drop and other films such as Carry On and Compliance, discussing how Drop navigates its thriller elements. Liz compares the meme usage in Drop to that in Carry On, appreciating the film’s incorporation of contemporary digital culture: “They brought in kombucha girl, the distracted boyfriend meme—they were really within their memology bag.” [05:28]

However, both Liz and Candice express reservations about the film’s plot plausibility and the integration of heavy backstory elements. Candice critiques the inclusion of Violet’s domestic abuse history, questioning its necessity: “I think that’s what kept me back was that domestic abuse backstory. It felt a little like an attempt to make this matter than it needed to be.” [11:05]

Cinematography and Pacing

The episode highlights the film’s visual and auditory elements, noting the use of spotlights and digital projections that create a theatrical ambiance. Liz appreciates the confined, almost black-box theater feel: “They were putting the security camera footage on the walls of the bathroom. It felt very theory, very contained.” [12:16]

Candice complements the film’s aesthetic, mentioning the meticulously built restaurant set: “They built a fully functioning restaurant. It looks expensive and plays as though we’re in a play.” [12:44] The pacing is deemed well-executed, with the tension ramping up consistently from the outset.

Final Thoughts on Drop

Overall, the hosts find Drop to be an enjoyable thriller that benefits from an audience setting, enhancing the communal experience of its suspenseful moments. While acknowledging its shortcomings in balancing trauma and thriller elements, they agree that Megan Fahey’s performance and the film’s engaging premise make it a worthwhile watch. Candice summarizes, “I think we all agree that we need more movies like this. I'm glad Drop exists.” [14:31]

What's Making Us Happy

Transitioning from film discussion, the hosts share personal sources of joy in their lives.

Liz Metzger: New Music and Magazine Highlights

Liz shares her enthusiasm for Too Hollis’s new album Star. She describes the music as “tinnitus core,” blending EDM with bedroom pop sensibilities. Highlighting the standout track “Nice,” Liz plays a snippet, capturing the album’s vibrant vibe [17:46].

Additionally, Liz expresses happiness over New York Magazine’s recent Yesteryear issue, which features in-depth interviews and stunning photo shoots with Broadway legends like Barbra Streisand and Andre de Shields. She praises the issue for its nostalgic and heartfelt content, making it a delightful read for theater enthusiasts [19:16].

Candice Lim: Embracing Mahjong

Candice reveals her new passion for Riichi Mahjong, a complex and strategic tile-based game. She enthusiastically explains how playing with friends brings joy and camaraderie: “It’s so fun to play a game with your friends in person and to learn it together.” [18:10] Her excitement is palpable as she invites others to join in the fun, even teasing Liz about future game nights [19:30].

Looking Ahead

Aisha hints at the upcoming bonus episode for Pop Culture Happy Hour Plus, where she and host Glen will discuss movie theater etiquette—a topic she describes as “very near and dear to my heart” [20:28]. She encourages listeners to subscribe to support the podcast and unlock exclusive content [20:27].

Conclusion

This episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour offers a comprehensive exploration of Drop, blending critical analysis with personal reflections on happiness and leisure. Through engaging dialogue and insightful commentary, Aisha Harris, Candice Lim, and Liz Metzger provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the film and a glimpse into their personal joys, making for a rich and entertaining listen.

Notable Quotes:

• “You are stuck in the past.” – Aisha Harris [00:00]
• “This movie is about a woman whose first date goes off the rails...” – Candice Lim [00:20]
• “Jeffrey Self is so good as server on his first day.” – Liz Metzger [04:08]
• “I think we all agree that we need more movies like this.” – Aisha Harris [14:31]
• “I love a complicated rule and I refuse to do the scoring that's outside my pay grade.” – Liz Metzger [19:27]

Stay Connected

To share your thoughts on Drop or discuss what’s making you happy, find Pop Culture Happy Hour on Facebook (@PCHH), Letterboxd (@letterboxd), or through NPR’s pop culture channels. Don’t forget to subscribe for more engaging discussions and exclusive content!