Running Time: 105 Minutes
Certification: 15
Starring: Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Alana Haim, Mamoudou Athie, Zoë Winters, Hailey Benton Gates
Following 2023's surreal Dream Scenario, Norwegian writer/director Kristoffer Borgli returns with another English language feature. The Drama opens in a coffee shop, as museum creator Charlie (Robert Pattinson) has his eye caught by bookstore clerk Emma (Zendaya) while she reads a book. In an attempt to strike up a conversation, Charlie pretends that he has read that same book, although his opening lines are not caught as he spoke to Emma's one deaf ear.
As luck would have it, the embarrassing moment opens up communication for the pair, and now serves as a fond memory that Charlie reminisces about. Now happily engaged, the couple are preparing for their upcoming wedding. One night, while out with their best friends Mike (Mamoudou Athie) and Rachel (Alana Haim), the drunken couples take it in turns to each admit the worst thing that they have done. Each revelation is met with shocked laughter, but the mood changes when Emma gives her answer.
Credit is deserved for the marketing team at A24, who wisely kept the reveal unspoiled. It's saddening how this still feels like a rarity when marketing can reveal key twists, like in Abigail, or surprise appearances, like in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Here, it is a revelation that is heartstoppingly effective, as viewers are placed in the character's shoes as we discover the truth at the same time.
If you were unfortunately spoiled before seeing the film, then the experience is thankfully not affected as a whole. There is not long to wait before the truth comes out, as what truly matters is the aftermath. Many of us have tried atoning for horrendous actions from the past and moving on from the person we once were, feelings which Zendaya terrifically brings alive. Yet, for Charlie, this is a brand-new side to the woman he loves, and he struggles to reconcile the person he fell for with her past self. Robert Pattinson has proven himself to be a fascinating chameleon in-front of the camera, and he remains excellent while playing this big-hearted British buffoon.
While this duo terrifically sell their romance, the film utilises darkly humorous moments and cringe comedy for an unforgettable mixture. A stand-out instance involves Zoë Winters as the wedding photographer, for a well-timed scene that marvelously utilises wordplay and sound design for maximum impact. It all feeds into themes about our past actions, whether we should be punished for a past version of ourselves, or if there are some things which cannot be atoned for. While it connects to the central twist which brings up real-world topics, a feeling lingers that nothing revelatory has truly been told.
As we reach the third-act, what should be a happy day for this couple is instead mired with tension. There are so many unexploded bombs just waiting to go off, leaving viewers to wonder which will detonate first and what the fallout will be. The result leaves a frankly unbearable wait, with the result sure to be a memorable story for everybody present. As the film reaches a low-key conclusion which brings things full-circle, The Drama shows itself to be a thoughtful work about truly knowing those we love.
The Drama is available in cinemas now
Comments