The A24 film The Drama, starring Robert Pattinson and Zendaya, is now available on Amazon Prime Video, and viewers are calling it a "cinematic masterpiece." Online reviewers say the story's "drama upon drama" narrative "never stops building up."
Released on Valentine's Day this year, the film generated buzz online long before its cinema debut. Early social media speculation about its plot was shaped by the trailer, which surprised fans with a twist after initial marketing had positioned it as a romantic comedy.
A Wedding Plan Unravels
In the film, Pattinson and Zendaya play Charlie and Emma, an engaged couple finalising the details of their wedding when they witness the DJ they had hired using drugs on the street. After a few days of moral deliberation, they decide to dismiss the DJ, a choice that sets off a chain of events.
When the couple shares the DJ's secret with their two closest friends, the group decides to play a game in which each person reveals their darkest secret. Mike (Mamoudou Athie) jokingly admits to using his ex-girlfriend as a human shield during a dog attack, Charlie confesses to cyberbullying a classmate, and Rachel (Alana Haim) says she locked a neighbour in a closet and ran away. Emma then hesitantly shares her own confession, which is not received as lightly as the others.
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Reactions
Emma's revelation leads to chaos, arguments, and moral dilemmas that persist through the rest of the film, culminating at the wedding ceremony, with friendship breakups, questionable decisions, and frustrating conversations that keep viewers guessing.
The Drama was a box-office success, and its Rotten Tomatoes reviews reflect the acclaim. One reviewer wrote, "I came in not knowing what this was going to be about and was gagged! It was so deep and well made! Pleasantly surprised! Would see again!" Another called it a "cinematic masterpiece" and a "great take on issues we have today in America and society. Zendaya and Robert were amazing!" A third wrote: "Speechless!! Probably the best movie I've seen in a long time. I was engaged the whole time. Just... wow."
The website's consensus reads: "Flirting with complex themes, The Drama walks a tonal tightrope with impressive poise thanks to career-highlight performances by Robert Pattinson and Zendaya."
Written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli, the film also features Hailey Benton Gates, Sydney Lemmon, Hannah Gross, and Anna Baryshnikov. The Drama is now available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
