Writer and director Kristoffer Borgli asks with his latest film, The Drama, “Could You Get Passed THAT?” The THAT won’t be revealed in this review, although it’s becoming more common knowledge that the film takes a hard narrative shift following its “meet-cute” romantic comedy opening to explore something far more complex with a darkly comedic spin. The Drama has already sparked conversations, and rightfully so. Even though it goes to some extreme places, it really does make the audience question what discoveries they could handle about someone they love while also offering up some hard truths about accountability and hypocrisy. The face that Borgli can derive so much humor from the story, even some of the most uncomfortable variety, is a testament to his grasp on the story and also a testament to his cast, particularly Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, who not only understand the assignment but also seem to be matching his pitch when it comes to establishing that there are no easy answers here but the themse are certainly worth exploring.
The film begins with the typical rom-com meet-cute between Emma Harwood (Zendaya) and the socially awkward Charlie Thompson (Robert Pattinson). As Charlie types out his wedding speech with his best friend Mike (Mamoudou Athie), the audience is treated to how the relationship began and how it flourished following their first awkward encounter. Kudos to Borgli, Zendaya, and Pattinson for selling their union through these accelerated scenes because, in lesser hands, the palpable chemistry between the two wouldn’t have been as effectively sold before things take a turn. With their wedding set for the upcoming weekend, a drunken game of “What’s the Worst Thing I’ve Ever Done” is played with the soon-to-be married couple, Mike, and his wife, Rachel, who is also Emma’s maid of honor. The game reveals an unknown truth that turns everything upside down for Emma and Charlie and makes them confront some hard truths as their wedding day quickly approaches.
Even though the pivotal truth won’t be revealed here, it should be noted that it will be jarring for some and for others, such as myself, the big reveal at least didn’t feel like some cheap narrative cheat for shock value. It could’ve easily gone that route, but once it’s revealed, time is dedicated to how it came about and how the individual is shaped by it today. This is what makes The Drama profoundly interesting. Love is meant to conquer all, but if you’re someone who fixates on every minute detail, all of that love and goodwill could easily be thrown aside and replaced with an uneasy distrust. As the big reveal took place, I constantly asked myself if I could get past it and continue to go back and forth about the matter. The beauty in Borgli’s script is that it wants the audience to question their own willingness to look beyond the past and focus on what made them fall in love with someone in the first place.
Despite that very cutesy question, The Drama has some darkly comedic fun with the reveal that made me admire Borgli’s bravery for going there on more than a few occasions. He clearly sees the humor in uncomfortable situations and conversations and milks them for all of their worth. As the film moves ahead like a ticking time bomb towards the big day for the couple, more and more situations are explored as conversation starters, but also as a way to elicit big laughs. One scene, with Zoe Winters stealing the show as a wedding photographer, got big laughs from the audience because it was darkly connected to the big reveal and wasn’t afraid to push the comedic buttons. It has already been argued whether or not the big secret can be used for comedy, and while it’s totally understandable if some believe it shouldn’t be, just be aware that this is a dark satire that wears its comedic darkness on its sleeve. It may not be politically correct, but in the world the film is creating, you shouldn’t be afraid to laugh with full abandon.
Technically, it was also impressive how Borgli utilized pacing, atmosphere, and editing techniques. Some moments almost make The Drama feel like a thriller because the unease hits a fever pitch, and Borgli matches that unease with clever editing, often putting the audience at the start of an awkward situation and then cutting back to how that awkward situation manifested. He begins things in a traditional fashion, which has been seen in some of the early marketing, that makes it feel like a traditional rom-com, and then after the narrative reveals itself, it becomes clear that this is the man behind Dream Scenario, and that convention is going to be thrown out of the window. By the time the big day is unveiled, the editing, writing, acting, and direction form a perfect storm that makes for some of the best moments caught on film so far this year and could allow it to maintain its place as one of the best of the year by the end of 2026.
Zendaya and Pattinson, as proven during their very cute marketing push for the film, are a solid pair with impeccable chemistry. The attraction is instant, and even as their world is falling apart around them as they know it, they still find the heart in all of the chaos. For Zendaya, this is her most nuanced and complicated role to date. Emma has to maintain likability when it might be difficult for the audience to be on her side, but Zendaya manages to hit all the right notes that hold on to the sympathies of the audience. During a time when the industry questions if we still have movie stars, Zendaya exudes movie star charm with an undeniable dose of talent for both drama and comedy.
Pattinson has showcased why he’s one of the best actors of his generation on more than one occasion, and his turn as Charlie proves to be one of his best roles to date. He brings an awkward charm to the role, playing the comedy to all the right levels while also portraying a nervous unease that helps serve some of the film’s more uncomfortable moments. Pattinson dominates the latter half of the film more than Zendaya in terms of screentime because Charlie’s arc takes center stage, and he’s more than up for the challenge. Charlie is relatable in all the right ways, and many will see themselves in his desire to fixate and make sure everything is just right. Pattinson goes a long way to make Charlie real and accessible.
The supporting players are also important and help drive a central theme of the film forward in a big way. Haim is getting it a lot on social media regarding her character, and it’s just a testament to how well she plays the role. Rachel is a controversial character from the moment the secret is revealed, but her relationship with Athie’s Mike is essential because it shines a light on Emma and Charlie’s union. Emma and Charlie might be at odds due to this secret, but they feel more in love than Mike and Rachel, as the latter is so domineering at times that Mike is reduced to silence. There might be a big secret between Emma and Charlie, but they have respect, something Mike and Rachel seem to lack, despite Rachel’s righteous indignation.
The Drama won’t be for everyone since it turns convention on its head on more than one occasion, but its approach to complex themes, without any judgment, makes it an intriguing watch. While the film goes to some uncomfortable areas, most often with a dash of humor, it’s the film’s unwavering honesty that makes it stand out; besides, real life is often uncomfortable. It’s all about how we navigate it.
The Drama is now playing in theaters nationwide courtesy of A24.
The Drama won't be for everyone since it turns convention on its head on more than one occasion, but its approach to complex themes, without any judgment, makes it an intriguing watch.
Hello! My name is Gaius Bolling: movie, TV, and pop culture junkie! The industry has been in my veins since I was a kid and I have carried that on through adulthood. I attended Los Angeles Film Academy and participated in their screenwriting and editing program. From there, I have learned to hone my skills in the world of entertainment journalism. Some of my favorite genres include horror, action, and drama and I hope to share my love of all of this with you.
