Smile

[School of Movies 2022]

WARNING: This episode contains lengthy discussions on depression, trauma and suicide. 

You do not need to see this movie before listening to the episode. In fact, in a rare instance we actually suggest you *don't* see it, for reasons we will be elaborating on at length.

It has reviewed well, and as with many horror movies based on a simple hook that shakes people up, it has done gangbusters at the box office. That puts it in league with Saw and Paranormal Activity and Insidious. And as you'll hear, on a technical scale, in terms of moment to moment nerve-jangling scenes it ties itself together with a confidence that makes debut director Parker Finn likely to be successful moving forward.

As I watched I became aware that the premise was uncannily similar to It Follows (2014) by David Robert Mitchell, and I've seen many people online echo that similarity. However, my idle brain found nine further films that this clearly draws from, which makes a spread of influences that is either shameless or impressive, depending on perspective. But that isn't the reason not to see it. 

Guest:

Spencer Leeb of The New Century Multiverse

If you have ever felt the need to talk to somebody about this very serious and personal state of mind please bookmark whichever of these is helpful to you.

USA: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 

UK Samaritans 

Get Help, Talk Suicide: Canada 

Australia Lifeline 

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