‘The Drama’ trailer
The trailer for A24’s dark romantic comedy “The Drama” starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. Written/directed by Kristoffer Borgli.
Has there ever been someone you thought you knew, but then said or did something that completely changed your view of him or her?
That’s the predicament Robert Pattinson and Zendaya face in A24’s “The Drama.”
The two play the roles of Charlie and Emma, who are just days away from their wedding. Their relationship could be lifted from any rom-com; they meet in 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’. (Sean Thomas, courtesy of A24)
Their storybook romance encounters unexpected turbulence when they are joined by their friends Mike and Rachel (Mamoudou Athie and Alana Haim) for a wine tasting and participate in a kind of game where they each reveal the worst thing they’ve ever done. Mike goes, and Rachel goes, and Charlie goes, all sharing their not-so-great moments.
But it was what Emma revealed that really shocked the others, especially Charlie.
Charlie basically has less than a week to grapple with Emma’s dark secret and whether it’s bad enough not to walk down the aisle.
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Zendaya and Robert Pattinson in A24’s ‘The Drama’. (Sean Thomas, courtesy of A24)
Ironically, what makes “The Drama” so good is that it is a dark comedy. The biting, cringe-inducing moments provide plenty of levity as the tension between Charlie and Emma increases. Pattinson, best known for his serious work, manages to bring out Charlie in a funny way as he grows increasingly afraid of his fiancée, while Zendaya’s Emma brilliantly sends mixed signals about whether she’s a changed person than she once was.
‘The Drama’ is Norwegian writer/director Kristoffer Borgli’s second English-language film, following 2023’s underrated Nicolas Cage gem ‘Dream Scenario’. Based on both films, Borgli proves that he has the rare gift of balancing humor and intensity. And when Ari Aster (“Hereditary”, Midsommar”, “Beau is Afraid”, “Eddington”) is listed as producer, you know you’re in for something very strange.
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Zendaya stars as Emma in A24’s ‘The Drama’. (Sean Thomas, courtesy of A24)
The verdict
The third act falters a bit, but “The Drama” is a unique, thought-provoking film that brings some rather disturbing fun to the wedding day rom-com and is enhanced by the performances of Zendaya and Pattinson. It’s not exactly a must-see, but it showcases the talents of the two vibrant leads and Borgli as an emerging filmmaker.
★★★ — STREAM IT LATER
“The Drama” is appreciated R for language, sexual content and some violence. Running time: 1 hour, 46 minutes. Now in cinemas.
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