A24’s latest offering, The Drama, directed by Kristoffer Borgli, isn’t a film you easily summarize. That’s partly by design, and partly because the film’s central conceit—revealed relatively early on—is best experienced firsthand. What begins as a seemingly conventional dark comedy about a novelist and his fiancé quickly spirals into something far more unsettling, and surprisingly funny. The film, starring Robert Pattinson and Zendaya, isn’t afraid to inquire uncomfortable questions about truth, perception, and the stories we notify ourselves and each other, making it a compelling, if challenging, watch.
Pattinson plays Charlie, a writer grappling with a creative block as his wedding to Emma (Zendaya) approaches. Before the nuptials, the couple agrees to a pact: each will reveal their darkest secret, the worst thing they’ve ever done. This seemingly innocuous exercise sets off a chain of events that throws their relationship, and the film itself, into delightfully disorienting territory. Borgli masterfully keeps the audience off balance, forcing us to question what we’re seeing and how reliable Charlie is as a narrator.
The film’s effectiveness is significantly heightened by the performances of its leads. Pattinson delivers a nuanced portrayal of a man consumed by his own anxieties and insecurities, while Zendaya embodies a captivating blend of vulnerability and strength. Their chemistry is palpable, making the unfolding drama all the more impactful. It’s a testament to both actors’ range that they navigate the film’s tonal shifts with such ease, seamlessly transitioning between moments of genuine tenderness and unsettling absurdity.
Navigating Uncomfortable Territory
Borgli’s previous work, including the Norwegian film Lillehammer, often explores themes of morality and societal norms with a darkly comedic lens. But, his personal history adds another layer of complexity to The Drama. As noted by The Hollywood Reporter, Borgli’s past writings, including an essay expressing admiration for Woody Allen’s Manhattan and a controversial piece on age gaps, have drawn criticism. The Hollywood Reporter’s report details the scrutiny surrounding these views. This context inevitably colors certain scenes in the film, particularly those involving Charlie’s internal fantasies, creating a sense of unease that is both intentional and unavoidable.
Despite this, or perhaps because of it, The Drama doesn’t shy away from difficult subject matter. It’s a film that demands viewers confront their own biases and preconceptions, and to grapple with the uncomfortable realization that even in our closest relationships, we may never truly know another person. The film doesn’t offer effortless answers, and it doesn’t attempt to excuse the actions of its characters. Instead, it presents a complex and often unsettling portrait of human fallibility.
A Textbook Dark Comedy
The initial reactions to The Drama were, as Borgli himself anticipated, strong. Many viewers approached the film with a degree of apprehension, fueled by rumors and speculation about its controversial premise. But to label it simply as “dangerous,” as some did, misses the point entirely. The Drama is, at its core, a dark comedy in the truest sense of the genre.
Like classics such as Heathers and American Psycho, the film uses humor to explore taboo subjects and challenge societal norms. It’s not about finding something to laugh *at*, but rather about recognizing the absurdity of the human condition. The film’s brilliance lies in its ability to make us laugh *and* feel deeply uncomfortable at the same time. It’s a testament to Borgli’s skill as a filmmaker that he can pull off this delicate balancing act with such precision.
Zendaya’s performance is particularly noteworthy in this regard. She portrays Emma with a quiet intensity, conveying a sense of both strength and vulnerability. While Charlie’s perspective dominates much of the narrative, Emma remains a compelling and enigmatic figure, refusing to be reduced to a simple archetype. Her choices, even when unsettling, feel grounded in a complex internal logic.
The Weight of Secrets
The film’s central question—how much are we willing to accept in the name of love?—is one that resonates deeply. Charlie’s obsession with Emma’s revelation consumes him, coloring his perception of her and their relationship. He fixates on the worst possible interpretations, allowing his own anxieties to cloud his judgment. This internal struggle is brilliantly portrayed by Pattinson, who conveys a sense of mounting desperation as the film progresses.
The Drama doesn’t offer a neat resolution. It doesn’t provide a moral lesson or a tidy conclusion. Instead, it leaves the audience to grapple with the ambiguity of the situation, to question their own assumptions about love, trust, and forgiveness. The film’s power lies in its ability to provoke thought and spark conversation, long after the credits have rolled.
Both Zendaya and Pattinson deliver performances that are both captivating and unsettling, perfectly capturing the tension and uncertainty at the heart of the story. The film’s success hinges on its ability to make us question our own moral compass, and to confront the uncomfortable truths about ourselves and the people we love. Going into The Drama with an understanding of the dark comedy genre—and a willingness to be challenged—is key to appreciating its subversive brilliance.
The Drama opens in theaters on April 3.
(featured image: A24)
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