In this Boston-set romance by Kristoffer Borgli, Robert Pattinson and Zendaya play a couple grappling with a more-than-generous dose of pre-wedding jitters.
*The Drama* is built around a secret that the studio is intentionally keeping from the public. After careful consideration, I have decided not to reveal that secret here. Admittedly, one could argue that A24 is acting irresponsibly by failing to disclose the film's true subject matter. Audiences will arrive expecting a lighthearted romantic dramedy, only to be abruptly confronted with a theme of extreme gravity. Walkouts are almost certain to occur, as some viewers may feel offended or disturbed.
Director: Kristoffer Borgli
Writer: Kristoffer Borgli
Stars: Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Alana Haim
Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Robert Pattinson) are just days away from their wedding. During an alcohol-fueled dinner with their best friends—Rachel (Alana Haim) and Mike (Mamoudou Athie)—the conversation turns to the question: "What is the worst thing you’ve ever done?" Emma’s answer constitutes the story’s big secret; it is revealed approximately 25 minutes into the film. The remainder of the movie chronicles Charlie’s struggle to decide whether he can go through with the rapidly approaching nuptials, now that he knows the truth.
However shocking the plot twist in *The Drama* may be, it is a perfectly valid subject for a cinematic work. Screenwriter and director Kristoffer Borgli (*Dream Scenario*) approaches the issue from two distinct perspectives. At times, he employs awkward humor—or "cringe humor"—exploring the sense of unease that emanates from this revelation. In one scene, for instance, we see the couple straining to project an air of normalcy and romantic bliss for a visibly bewildered wedding photographer. Borgli does not intend to mock [redacted detail], but rather to portray the obstinacy with which certain thoughts cling to the mind once they have taken root. Even so, laughter may well be accompanied by a certain sense of guilt.
While the comedic side of the film proves somewhat uneven, the dramatic aspect works with greater solidity—provided, of course, that the viewer accepts the premise from the outset. *The Drama* focuses on the destructive power that a secret can wield over a romantic relationship. Emma resists having her entire being judged solely on the basis of the worst episode of her life. Charlie, for his part, grapples with the uncertainty of not knowing whether he will ever be able to look at Emma again without his mind inevitably conjuring up her past. Their individual struggles are unique, yet the challenge of building—and navigating—a healthy marriage following the revelation of that secret is a hurdle they both share. If you love someone, can you forgive everything? If you have made a colossal mistake in life, how much forgiveness are you entitled to expect from your loved ones?
The protagonists contribute significantly to infusing the story with emotional truth. Pattinson powerfully conveys the mental battle raging within Charlie’s mind, revealing just how deeply it torments him. Zendaya is even better. She imbues Emma with a quality of vulnerability that is, on occasion, punctuated by anger. The character acknowledges the reprehensible nature of her conduct; nevertheless, she harbors an understandable resentment over the fact that her future husband—and their mutual friends—suddenly view her as nothing more than a label. In her excellent performance, Zendaya crafts a portrait of regret and the fear of rejection that is, at times, heartbreaking.
Given the film’s subject matter, crafting a satisfying conclusion proves to be an arduous task. Borgli manages to pull it off, though he succeeds only by means of an ironic plot twist that feels somewhat contrived. This drama—despite the misleading publicity surrounding it—constitutes a bold work; it does not always hit the mark perfectly, but it remains consistently challenging. Could it have been conceived with a less provocative twist? Yes; however, it is precisely that provocation that allows for the exploration of its themes with the utmost depth. That spirit of boldness—combined with the outstanding performances of Zendaya and Pattinson—makes the film well worth watching for those viewers who come prepared.
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