'Obsession' fever, ‘The Republic of Wasia,’ and why tan lines are hot again | Engagement Party

"Obsession” and “Backrooms” are breaking box office records. Audie and Ari dissect both films' YouTube origins, the secrets of their success, and why the whole horror genre is killing it right now. Then, friend of the show Elise Hu helps break down how the “Republic of Wasia” became a meme and a moment, and why not everyone who's mixed-Asian feels included. Plus: Why are tan lines in again?

About the show: Welcome to Audie Cornish and Ari Shapiro's Engagement Party, where the hot takes are the smart takes. ​After years of working side by side, Audie and Ari have made it official with their pop culture video podcast. Party hopping between what you're watching, reading and scrolling, these longtime friends unpack what matters in our endless feeds.

0:00 Why is horror killing it right now? 3:20 What 'Obsession' tells us about what society's freaked out about right now (hint: toxic masculinity) 7:07 'Obsession' and 'Backrooms' are a cold plunge for Hollywood's summer expectations 8:15 Does the 'Backrooms' backstory complicate its status as fresh, original IP? 12:28 An 'Obsession' hot take! 14:24 What is 'The Republic of Wasia,' and why is the discourse around it so heated? 28:08 Scroll & Tell: What's with tan lines being in again? 32:00 Touch Grass: Therapeutic stabbing, movie night, and one beautiful waterfall.

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