The ironically titled romantic drama “The Drama,” a star-driven film produced by A24 and written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli, released last Friday. It focuses on a couple’s relationship just before their wedding day after an unexpected confession from the bride.   

Friends drunkenly greet couple Emma Harwood (Zendaya) and Charlie Thompson (Robert Pattinson) with an uncomfortable question — “what is the worst thing you have ever done?” — as they taste wine for their upcoming wedding. Emma’s answer reveals a dark and hidden past, leaving her appalled friends and fiance in utter quandary. The story follows Emma and Charlie as they navigate their tested relationship. 

Although the title is not necessarily misleading, when hearing drama one might consider a relationship squander or something of the sort. However, the drama in question is far from trivial. The film explores appalling and tragic themes that are not typically depicted through such a lense, making this movie unique to a T.

A compelling afterthought closes the narrative, yet the questions raised were even more enthralling than the film. The viewer is set up to analyze their own morality while watching, starting with the initial question: “What is the worst thing I have done?” It can make one view themselves and their partner through a different lens. Besides questions regarding moral indictment, the film explored the conditionality of romantic love. At what length shall someone go to love another? Is it a courageous or cowardly thing to leave them if they cross one’s moral values or boundaries? Can a person truly change from adolescence to adulthood?

Genre-wise, the film has one foot in “romantic comedy” and the other in “psychological drama,” which are bewildering opposites. While handling exceedingly serious topics, a humorous lining served as a way to cope with the severity of situations.

The physicality of Zendaya and Pattinson’s performances saves the story from some of its shortcomings. Emma is a stern yet soft-hearted individual; her growth as a person is conflicting for both character Charlie and for the audience. Zendaya does a wonderful job at making her character layered: Emma is morally ambiguous and quietly intense. Zendaya illustrates her character’s vulnerability so magnetically it becomes a challenge to decide whether to root for the couple’s rekindling or break. Pattinson also played a wonderful role, as he had the most screentime. It felt like Charlie’s emotions mirrored the audience’s, making him an easy character to connect with.  

The highly tense and engaging atmosphere is also executed well. If being on the edge of your seat is your preference, “The Drama” will be an appealing watch, although critics frequently describe the film as “stressful,” “uncomfortable” and “chaotic.” In other words, it is never boring. However, online buzz about the false marketing requested more accurate representation like trigger warnings.  

The topic of choice for the movie is incredibly extreme and jarring, one which arose recent controversy online over the way it was abruptly introduced into what initially seemed like one’s typical romantic drama. The shock was interesting, although the movie itself has no interest in thoughtfully unraveling this confession, leaving the viewers with whiplash and jaws dropped. Rather than shaping a conversation with nuance, the narrative shifts its focus to the event following Emma’s confession and how they alter the relationship dynamic, missing a valuable opportunity to examine her motives and intentions. 

It seemed like creators were trying to be provocative just to be provocative. Not only was the topic shockingly extreme, but it is highly relevant in today’s society.  When choosing themes like this, especially in the world of blockbuster movies where they have the opportunity to reach millions of people through story, it could very well have been more focused on the science of Emma’s actions rather than the repercussions within her relationship. It is understandable that the creators intended to make the film relatable and slightly less outlandish, but it seems as though the target audience, romantic comedy connoisseurs, are not as likely to watch media with heavy topics like this one. In a film with such heavy triggers, the viewer needs to be willing to engage thoughtfully; otherwise, the film is diminished to pure shock value and undermined in its cinematic intentions. 

While the plot was engaging nonetheless, the content of the confession was not handled with the respect nor depth necessary for a truly moving watch. “The Drama” is underlyingly about the harsh reality of uncovering truths about loved ones, and navigating forgiveness and future directions within consequences.

Rating: 3/5