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The Drama Review
Image Credit: A24
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Directed By: Kristoffer Borgli
Written By: Kristoffer Borgli
Runtime: 105 minutes
MPA Rating: Rated R for language, sexual content, and some disturbing thematic material.
Robert Pattinson – Charlie
Zendaya – Emma
Mamoudou Athie – Mike
Alana Haim – Rachel
Hailey Gates – Misha
Michael Abbott Jr. – Blake
Jordyn Curet – Young Emma
Sydney Lemmon – Pauline
Anna Baryshnikov – Samantha
Zoë Winters – Frances
Dee Nelson – Jill
Norwegian filmmaker Kristoffer Borgli crafts a wonderful, awkward, comedically cringe-inducing black comedy about messy truths brought to light for an engaged couple in The Drama. True to its title, Borgli certainly makes uncomfortable relationship drama the key here, and in doing so, creates a movie about relationships that’s emotionally authentic, raw, and complex.
The story centers around an engaged couple, Charlie (Pattinson) and Emma (Zendaya), several days before their wedding. However, an easygoing food tasting with their caterer soon takes a surprising turn. Emma’s maid of honor, Rachel (Haim), suggests a game where she, her husband Mike (Athie), Charlie, and Emma admit the worst thing they’ve ever done.
Without revealing Emma’s secret, as the surprise is part of the plot’s novelty, the secret shocks the rest of the group, especially Charlie. Charlie, already socially and emotionally awkward, becomes emotionally conflicted about Emma’s disclosure, which he struggles to rectify, and forces him to look at his soon-to-be wife in a much different way.
The movie’s prologue depicts Charlie and Emma’s initial meet-cute in a coffee shop, as he attempts to impress Emma by lying about having read a book she is reading. The sequence somewhat encapsulates how couples and people in romantic relationships sometimes adopt a false persona. Borgli explores the detrimental side of bottling up genuine feelings and telling white lies in a fascinating manner, as the truths eventually emerge in uncomfortably awkward, emotional explosions.
Pattinson truly outdoes himself as Charlie, exceptionally capturing the character’s awkwardness, portraying Charlie as a bundle of exposed neuroses. Zendaya similarly exceptionally performs her role as Emma, especially considering that most of what happens with her character happens from Charlie’s perspective. It’s a fascinatingly mature, nuanced, surprisingly vulnerable, and layered performance for the former Disney sitcom star, and she’s truly growing into an acting powerhouse in a unique leading role.
Borgli brings a strong visual style to his film’s presentation. He shot the movie on 35mm film, imbuing its overall look with an appealing graininess and warmth that works in tandem with the subject matter. Throughout the movie, Borgli throws in various segments and flourishes to scenes, as jump cuts, presenting various sequences, as if the film is depicting characters’ intrusive thoughts.
For example, take how someone, when presented with a stressful problem or conflict, their mental response would entail catastrophizing their thoughts and imagining the worst-case scenario. The Drama interestingly depicts that weird, fleeting stream of consciousness on screen, nicely reflecting the inner turmoil of characters like Charlie.
Additionally, Borgli showcases the seething underlying anger and tension in social situations, where bottled-up emotions reach a boiling point. The director skillfully portrays the awkwardness of such situations, where others in the room can clearly detect others’ passive aggressiveness. This is where The Drama finds its dry, yet still entertaining, brand of cringe comedy.
That said, despite their strong performances individually, Charlie and Emma never quite click with their onscreen chemistry, but perhaps that point was intentional. Most of the plot reflects Charlie’s perspective and downward emotional spiral after learning Emma’s secret. The movie would’ve been better served showcasing how the revelation affects Emma personally as well.
While most of the movie builds to a chaotic crescendo, the ending creates a feeling of ambivalence. It does not quite match the rest of the tone and attitude of the story put on screen beforehand, awkwardly contrasting the movie’s more emotional rawness and honesty.
The Drama’s ending is not a bad one by any means, but it finishes things off in a way that works way too neatly. Regardless, The Drama effectively captures the sadness and isolation that result from the rejection of empathy.
Where To Watch The Drama
The Drama is now playing in theaters. Movie and showtime details are available at the movie’s website.
