The Drama – Film Review
Reviewed by Harris Dang on the 31st March 2026
VVS Film presents a film by Kristoffer Borgli
Written by Kristoffer Borgli
Produced by Ari Aster, Lars Knudsen, and Tyler Campellone
Starring Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Mamoudou Athie, Alana Haim, Hailey Gates, Zoë Winters
Cinematography Arseni Khachaturan
Edited by Joshua Raymond Lee
Music by Daniel Pemberton
Rating: MA15+
Running Time: 105 minutes
Release Date: the 2nd of April 2026
The Drama tells the story of Emma and Charlie (Zendaya and Robert Pattinson), a happy couple who are days away from their wedding ceremony. Emma is outgoing and carefree and works as a bookstore clerk. Charlie is introverted, covert with his emotions, and works as a British museum director.
Within their circle of friends, including Rachel (Alana Haim) and her boyfriend, Mike (Mamoudou Athie), they share a bite to eat and probe into each other relationships, asking questions that highlight their foibles and flaws. The entire group is shaken when Emma reveals a startling truth that places her relationship with Charlie in jeopardy.
What is the worst thing you’ve ever done? That is the question looming over the latest film from director Kristoffer Borgli. He is no stranger to topics that are inescapably human yet nary discussed. This was evident in his prior films, Sick of Myself (2022) and Dream Scenario (2023). Now The Drama places his darkly comedic and incisive approach to relationship dynamics through the veil of intentions.
Without going into spoilers, the startling truth raises lots of questions that blur lines between intent and execution, and communication and blind devotion. It also examines whether one’s action defines someone. The truth is a sensitive subject for both the characters and audiences, especially on a cultural level. While it will definitely unnerve (as well as offend), it is a widely prevalent issue that Borgli plays for uncomfortable laughs and sharp psychological insight.
The comedic opportunities are plentiful thanks to supporting characters oblivious to the situation. Zoe Winters and Hailey Benton Gates are wonderful as the wedding photographer and fellow co-worker, respectively. Verbal interplay (written by Borgli), physical comedy (Pattinson is an absolute pro in portraying an emotional implosion), a whimsical, jarring score by Daniel Pemberton and sharp, and off-kilter editing by Borgli and Joshua Raymond Lee deliver the laughs and an awkwardness that veers into the horror-comedy genre. The film could have taken the easy way and solely dived into the comedy genre. However, Borgli never forgets the core of the film is its characters.
Through Charlie’s eyes, he tries his very best to find the heart of the problem through tired actions of faux therapy and forcing revelations and platitudes on Emma. One example involves an incident that Charlie tries to pin on Emma as a traumatic catalyst. Yet she makes it blatantly clear she had no trauma over it, leading to a simple, striking case of “you can’t have your cake and eat it” (too). Another similar case involves Charlie’s collapse in his denial that Emma’s truth bothers him. With the seeds of doubt planted and no unbiased party to talk to, he vents in ways that could be more detrimental than the truth ever could.
Through the eyes of Emma, the world of absolutes does her no favours. Rachel instantly cuts her off and few people ever lend her a shoulder to cry on or even a sympathetic ear. One must also consider the potential backlash that could occur and jeopardise one’s career, reputation, and livelihood. With mentions of the court of public opinion through social media, rampant misogyny, and racism, Emma’s choice in revealing her truth can be seen as a challenge and an obstacle in relationship intimacy.
While both sides of their story are unfortunately lopsided (Emma’s racial background is barely mentioned behind the drama), both their points of view are vividly captured by the cinematography by Arseni Khachaturan. The 35mm, earthy look lends a disorienting feel that captures the characters’ inner turmoil. Pattinson delivers a weaselly, lurchy [sic], and emotionally volatile performance that pairs well with Zendaya’s subtle, nuanced, sensitively delivered work.
The lead couple share a convincing and affecting chemistry that serves both the drama and the comedy. Their charisma and comedic timing are more than fine to carry the film. Their intimacy and aching for one another though is what elevates the film to a level of poignancy. It feels so true and real. Their connection makes the film’s endgame and their relationship arc feel earned and genuinely touching, without being cloying.
The Drama is an insightful, darkly funny, and emotionally stirring romantic-comedy. It serves as an instant conversation starter that will either engage or enrage in equal measure.
Summary: An insightful, darkly funny, and emotionally stirring romantic-comedy. It serves as an instant conversation starter that will either engage or enrage in equal measure.
4.5
Impressive
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