The Drama

What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?” — That’s the central question that Kristoffer Borgli’s brand-new film The Drama wants to explore. Ever since it was announced, everyone has been wondering and buzzing: what could Zendaya’s Emma have possibly done to get that kind of reaction out of her best friends?  And trust me… the actual reveal is even more unexpected than any of your wildest guesses could be. 

But what’s even more impressive than delivering a reveal that truly lives up to the hype is the pivotal scene in which it takes place. This four-person, storytime-style sequence around a table is masterfully edited, directed, and acted. From the pitch-perfect comedic timing to the equally perfect moments when Borgli chooses to cut to a new angle to capture the facial reactions of Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Alana Haim, and Mamoudou Athie reacting to each other’s most despicable actions… It's really great stuff.

To speak about The Drama as a whole, it’s an absolute must-watch. The Drama is a perfect example of a cinematic experience that deserves to be approached as blindly as possible for the full effect. And, above all, it’s just a really great time at the theaters. Certain directions and plot points may shock or disturb some viewers, but I think that’s undoubtedly what makes Borgli such an interesting filmmaker and this film so essential to see. We saw this with his previous effort, 2023’s Dream Scenario, starring Nicolas Cage, where the things that character says and has to go through during the runtime can push audiences to their limits of understanding and comfortability. Pattinson and Zendaya are given those same opportunities here, and they rise to the occasion.

Speaking of two of our biggest movie stars—you'd better enjoy them, because this makes the first of their many big-screen collaborations coming this year, alongside The Odyssey and Dune: Part Three. Thankfully, these two are a match made in heaven. The way they play off each other is so charismatic; you buy their steaming chemistry at the beginning, you buy their highs and lows as a couple, and you even buy their horror at certain reveals. These are two of our best actors truly showcasing the best of their abilities in tandem.

The Drama works best when it is pushed to its narrative and visual boundaries—especially in the more dreamlike sequences. These moments are vivid and revealing, offering insight into how the characters imagine each other in worst-case, nightmare scenarios we’ve all experienced. Whether you’re wondering what the person on the other end of your phone is thinking while you wait for a reply or imagining what your significant other might be doing while they’re away… I found these moments incredibly honest and relatable to real relationships. The sound design elevates this even further. I will resist going into further detail to avoid spoilers, but it is an unexpected aspect of the film I found myself blown away by.

This will be a stressful watch for some, a hilarious ride for others, and the kind of movie that your one snob friend will call overrated. But for me, this is exactly the kind of movie I love: watching powerful performers absolutely chew up the scenery. Pattinson continues to prove why he’s one of the best working actors today, and Zendaya shows us a whole new side of her range. In her past efforts, we’ve seen her play stoic, funny, and lovable… and here, she does all of that and more in one knockout performance and film.

As for the supporting cast, Haim does a fantastic job playing an unlikeable character, handling difficult material with confidence. Athie, as always, is also a welcome presence, bringing the same refreshing screen energy he’s shown previously in films like Kinds of Kindness and Elemental.

The Drama is a major win from me. One you should go see it as soon as possible so you don’t get spoiled online and so you get to experience one of the year's best films on the big screen with a packed audience. The reactions are sure to be mixed, but it’s one you don’t want to miss. 

9/10