REVIEW: ‘The Drama’ Is Not Worth the Drama
In A24’s new film, The Drama, when a couple reveals the worst things they’ve ever done just days before they say, “I do”, their seemingly perfect relationship takes a turn. Now, one questions if getting married is the right thing to do, while the other is trying to save the relationship they once shared.
Directed by Kristoffer Borgli, the film is described as a dark comedy, but there is nothing funny about this story. On the surface, the film is supposed to be an extreme take on the jitters couples feel before getting married. However, Borgli takes it way too far in this story. When the story’s leads, Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Robert Pattinson), reveal the worst things they have ever done during a drunken night out with friends, one would think the reveals would be cheating or backstabbing a friend. Nope, Emma’s reveal is so out of this world that one has to wonder how Borgli came up with the idea. Emma’s reveal, spoiler alert, is she planned, and almost executed a school shooting. With the world we are living in today, this should be the last thing Borgli should have used as Emma’s reveal. Then he takes it a step further by showcasing Emma’s plan and how this reveal affects Charlie’s mindset. This choice was a complete turnoff for me. This topic is not a joking matter, and though maybe not Borgli’s intention, it came off as if this was a topic that could just be brushed aside.
Besides this choice of topic, none of the characters are likeable. Zendaya and Pattinson are good actors with impressive resumes, they did not need to be a part of this film. Alas, they are and neither give amazing performances. The characters come off flat and unrelatable. They don’t have off the chart chemistry, but that could merely be because the story isn’t great. Alana Haim and Mamoudou Athie round out the cast as Emma and Charlie’s best friends, Rachel and Mike. Like Zendaya and Pattinson, the performances aren’t great, but its because the characters are one dimensional. They are just plot pieces utilized to add drama to Emma and Charlie’s story.
If you are looking for a film to see this weekend, I would stay away from this one. Borgli is known for his risk taking, but this was a risk he should never have taken. Pushing the controversial topic aside, the film lacked humor and good storytelling. It’s a miss that really could have been a hit with the cast leading the story.
Grade: D