When I saw the trailer for The Drama, which released in theaters Apr. 3, I knew I had to see this film. Having both Zendaya and Robert Pattinson in the same project is already enough to pique my interest, but the suspense evoked after watching the trailer made seeing the movie irresistible.
The Drama follows Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Robert Pattinson), an engaged couple who are celebrating their wedding in a week. Their wedding plans unravel after Emma reveals the worst thing she’s ever done.
After learning that The Drama was produced by A24, I had a feeling it was going to be weird, that whatever Emma had done would be out of left field and shocking to both the audience and the characters. And I was right. My theater had a very visceral response to the twist, and I enjoyed how it was revealed to us very early on and directly from Emma herself. It’s refreshing to see a narrative where the engaged or married couple tries to grapple with the betrayal or shock of learning that one person in the relationship isn’t who they seemed, rather than watching a film where this information is a mystery that’s revealed to the audience slowly.
Viewing the psychological toll that “the twist” has on Charlie (Pattinson) was my favorite part of the film. The cinematography and editing throughout the movie was incredibly well-done, especially in the scenes that center on Charlie’s struggle to perceive his fiancée for who she is now and who she was in her past. These scenes were uncomfortable to watch because of the subject matter being depicted. But, this discomfort isn’t excessive to the point where the film is no longer consumable. It’s too common to see films that try to center their storylines around sensitive subject matter and fail because the subject matter is used for shock-value. The Drama, despite its name, doesn’t let its depiction of sensitive subject matter fall into the territory of insensitive melodrama. The discomfort evoked by the psychological scenes of this movie that center on uncomfortable subject matter are revealing of Charlie’s perspective. They show how he’s slowly sabotaging his relationship with Emma, and how he’s trying to be comfortable with Emma’s past, but is failing. Essentially, scenes that depict uncomfortable subject matter and feel disturbing to the viewer serve a purpose in the film that advances the plot.
These scenes raise the important question of how much people can really move on from their past. At what point are people’s mistakes no longer something they can atone for? Zendaya and Pattinson are both amazing actors, and viewing the way they discuss and simultaneously avoid discussing Emma’s past and reflect on it amongst themselves has really stuck with me, even days after I watched the film. Their performances have pushed me to continue reflecting on the subject matter that was depicted in this film and the central questions raised from it.
While many scenes in the film are heavy and uncomfortable, the plot is also interwoven with humor. This film is probably the funniest I’ve seen in a very long time, and the humor doesn’t feel out of place in the plot either. Charlie in particular was a very funny character; his awkwardness created conflict and tension, but it also lightened the mood and made him feel like a very distinct character. Overall, the comedy complements the story, and it makes the film light enough that viewers aren’t bogged down by depictions of the sensitive subject matter.
I would highly recommend watching this film, especially in theaters. There are many shocking and surprising scenes, and they’re best experienced with an audience to share in the revelry with. When I left the theater, I felt a strong sense of community. There was a shared surprise in what The Drama turned out to be, and a shared enjoyment of the film.
For blending the best aspects of psychological thrillers and comedies and having masterful cinematography, editing, and acting, I would rate The Drama four out of five stars.