The Drama and What’s Making Us Happy

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, hosts Aisha Harris, Badatri D. Chaudhry, and Travell Anderson dive into the dark comedy *The Drama*, starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson as a couple on the brink of marriage after a shocking revelation about one partner's past. The film, directed by Christopher Borgley, uses sharp black comedy to explore themes of identity, trust, and the illusion of knowing someone deeply—especially in the high-stakes context of wedding planning. The panelists reflect on the film’s unsettling tone, the communal viewing experience, and standout performances, particularly from Mamadou Aceh and Alana Haim, while acknowledging the film’s provocative commentary on privilege and racial dynamics. Later, they shift to lighter fare with 'What’s Making Us Happy': Badatri recommends the documentary *Natchez*, a witty yet incisive look at America’s fraught historical tourism; Travell shares a joyful house remix of the 1997 *Cinderella* song 'Impossible'; and Aisha celebrates *Age of Attraction* on Netflix, a surprisingly thoughtful dating reality show that explores relationships across significant age gaps without the usual marriage pressure. The episode balances deep cultural reflection with infectious joy.