Since its highly anticipated release on April 3, “The Drama” has received highly polarized reviews, with some saying “there's a pretty good chance you will either hate it, or feel repulsed having watched it,” and others saying, “I hated every second of this. Absolutely outstanding.” However, it’s perfect for those who enjoy impossibly unanswerable hypothetical scenarios, dramatic plots, terrible romantic decisions and phenomenal acting.
While the film’s plot invokes thoughtful consideration and interesting discussions on morals, it also creates strong feelings of anxiety and discomfort. Those going to see the film in hopes of a Nancy Meyers-esque romantic comedy because of the advertising will be incredibly put off by the dark themes and complicated romance. It is best viewed by avoiding spoilers about the complicated twists, while also understanding the heavy tone it takes on shortly into the movie.
The A24 film follows Emma Harwood (Zendaya) and Charlie Thompson (Robert Pattinson) while they are deep in the throes of planning their upcoming wedding. As they manage the stress of meeting with photographers, tasting wedding cakes and rehearsing their first dance, a drunken, shocking slew of admissions from the wedding party begins to drive a wedge.
When Harwood, Thompson, Maid of Honor Rachel (Alana Haim) and Best Man Mike (Mamoudou Athie) decide to reveal the worst things they have ever done, Harwood’s confession is received as the most jarring. They continue with the wedding planning, but with only a few days away from the ceremony, Thompson is completely shaken and afraid of what Harwood has told him.
The big moment of reveal comes as a major shock to both the characters and the viewers. The film’s marketing painted the film as an eclectic romantic comedy with slight sense of unease from the beginning.
The movie’s trailers were vague and surface-level to keep the main story of the film a secret. In doing so, it makes the viewer feel as though they are in the wine-tasting room with the wedding party, feeling the shock and conflicting emotions as a result of Emma’s reveal. From there, the film takes on a dramatic, darker tone while still maintaining a comedic aspect.
“The Drama” induces visceral emotions and transports the viewer. Pattinson and Zendaya’s compelling and authentic performances make the characters’ terrible decisions feel all the more real and all the more frustrating.
The film invites the audience to be a part of Thompson’s dilemma in moving on with the wedding. Viewers are forced to face questions about the extent of forgiveness, acceptance, change and how much of our pasts can be overlooked.
“The Drama” diverges from the expected romance in favor of discomfort and uncertainty. While love might be at the heart of the story, it is the extent of forgiveness and effects of honesty that leave a lingering impression.
