‘THE DRAMA’ REVIEW: DOES LOVE MAKE US BLIND?
words by SONNY NGO
Getting married is a big deal. Once you slip on the ring, take your vows, and seal your love with a kiss, you are locked in forever – in theory at least. You may have met during college, at your local dive bar or the coffee shop around the corner, or maybe you first crossed paths in your later years, in any case, your partner has lived their own life long before your initial meet-cute. But when can you confidently say you know your partner inside out? You may know them now, but do you know everything about their past life? And how much does that past define who they are today, and how much you love them? These are questions Kristoffer Borgli poses in his latest, captivating black comedy The Drama. Following his 2023 Dream Scenario, the Norwegian writer-director returns under the A24 banner with a divisive conversation starter living up to its title, starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson.
image courtesy of THE SEARCHERS
Pattinson is Charlie, a young British museum curator who is engaged to Zendaya’s Emma, a charming literary editor. The two are happy together: we see them laugh, dance, and make out – you know, all the relationship things. The week leading up to the wedding is stressful, of course it is, but they find the time to have a wine tasting with their best friends Rachel (Alana Haim) and Mike (Mamoudou Athie). Flash forward a few bottles – and the request to try just one more glass – the foursome partake in an open-hearted game where they each have to answer the question: “What’s the worst thing you have ever done?" It’s Emma’s answer that completely derails the evening, as well as possibly the entire marriage.
From the film’s marketing campaign, and knowing Borgli’s track record, it’s clear that The Drama is not your typical romcom. While it is definitely funny, it’s also off-kilter and eerie. With the film’s rapid editing, sharp visual style, and flashing montages, Borgli lures you in for a good time, but the jokes land slightly awry, the tempo is faintly off, and the close ups are always a bit too close. It’s an unnerving film that from the outset is anxiety-inducing. Even the opening sequence, which introduces us to Charlie and Emma – supposedly an amusing first rendezvous – feels oddly strange. It’s a feeling that is carried throughout the film, but is amplified to novel heights after the big reveal.
At its core, however, the film is still heartwarming, largely carried by the incredible performances of the ensemble. Zendaya’s Emma is complex and brooding, while Pattinson’s Charlie is vulnerable, inward, and quirky. It’s a remarkable pairing of two seemingly different figures and seeing their chemistry (and starpower) together – both in the former and latter half of the film – is absolutely showstopping. Then there are Haim and Athie, who relieve the film of some of its tensions while at the same time mirroring the discomfort and varying perspectives of audiences. Athie plays Charlie’s best man with a certain poise and calm which perfectly contrasts Haim’s blazing Rachel. Watching one of the Haim sisters continue her seamless transition from the rockstar stage to the silver screen is a total joy to behold.
While jumping between genres, at the end of the day, The Drama is a story of two people facing couple hardships, like any other normal relationship would. Although Borgli is infamous for his social commentary, and the film will no doubt spark plenty of discussion, it’s hard not to wonder whether Emma’s confession during the wine tasting is of any importance at all. Naturally, the viewing experience is greater not knowing any of the film’s reveals, but for Charlie perhaps the more pressing question is if love got him blinded. If you remove the film’s shocks, twists, and extremes, ultimately the question he is laid bare to is if, despite everything, the answer is still yes.
The Drama plays in cinemas starting April 2nd.