‘The Drama’ Review: Zendaya, Robert Pattinson star in twisted dark rom-com
‘Drama’ trailer
Trailer of A24’s dark romantic comedy “The Drama”, starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. Film written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli.
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Have you ever had someone you thought you knew, but then they said or did something that completely changed your opinion of them?
This is the predicament facing Robert Pattinson and Zendaya in A24’s “The Drama.”
The two play Charlie and Emma, who are just days away from getting married. Their relationship could be taken from any romantic comedy; They meet at a coffee shop, he’s a nerd, she’s gorgeous but approachable, you know the drill.
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Robert Pattinson and Zendaya in A24’s “The Drama”. (Courtesy of Sean Thomas, A24)
Their storybook romance takes an unexpected turn when friends Mike and Rachel (Mamoudou Athie and Alana Haim) gather for a wine tasting and they enter into a kind of game in which each reveals the worst thing they’ve ever done. Mike leaves, Rachel leaves and Charlie leaves; they all share their not-so-great moments.
But what really shook the others, especially Charlie, was what Emma revealed.
Charlie has less than a week to deal with Emma’s dark secret and whether not walking down the aisle is bad enough.
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Zendaya and Robert Pattinson in A24’s “The Drama.” (Courtesy of Sean Thomas, A24)
Ironically, what makes “Drama” successful is that it is a black comedy. Biting, embarrassing moments bring plenty of hilarity as tension builds between Charlie and Emma. Pattinson, known mostly for his serious work, manages to bring out the comedy in Charlie as he becomes increasingly afraid of his fiancée; Zendaya’s Emma, on the other hand, cleverly sends mixed signals about whether she’s a different person than she once was.
“The Drama” will be Norwegian writer/director Kristoffer Borgli’s second English-language film, after 2023’s Nicolas Cage’s unappreciated work, “Dream Scenario.” Based on both films, Borgli proves to have a rare ability to balance humor and intensity. And when Ari Aster (“Hereditary,” “Midsommar,” “Beau is Afraid,” “Eddington”) is listed as a producer, you know you’re in for something truly twisted.
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Zendaya stars as Emma in A24’s “The Drama.” (Courtesy of Sean Thomas, A24)
Decision
The third act falters a bit, but “Drama” is a unique, thought-provoking film, lifted by the performances of Zendaya and Pattinson, who inject some seriously disturbing fun into the wedding day rom-com. It’s definitely not a must-see movie, but it showcases two cool leads as well as the talents of Borgli, an emerging filmmaker.
★★★ — TRANSFER LATER
Rated “Drama” R for language, sexual content and some violence. Running time: 1 hour 46 minutes. In theaters now.
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