Critics Divided Over 'The Drama' as Zendaya and Pattinson's Film Sparks Controversy
The new romantic comedy 'The Drama', starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, has premiered to a storm of mixed critical reactions, with some branding it 'the most uncomfortable film of the year' and others praising its bold, genre-defying narrative.
Premiere and Plot Details
Written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli, the film had its premiere in Los Angeles on March 17 and is scheduled for a wider release across the United States on April 3. It follows the story of a young couple, Emma Harwood and Charlie Thompson, as they approach their wedding day.
However, just days before the ceremony, Emma confesses to having planned a school shooting as a teenager, though she never carried it out. This shocking revelation sends Charlie into a spiral of doubt, questioning whether he truly knows the woman he is about to marry.
Critical Reception: A Mixed Bag
Early reviews have been sharply divided, highlighting the film's provocative nature. The Telegraph's Tim Robey described Zendaya and Pattinson as 'a match made in hell', calling the film a 'damp squib' that fails to deliver on its promises of dark twists and compelling romance.
In contrast, Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent hailed it as 'the most uncomfortable film of the year', praising its provocative and compulsively watchable quality. She noted that it obliterates traditional romcom conventions by thrusting love under a psychoanalyst's microscope.
Praise for Performances and Direction
Kevin Maher of The Times awarded the film five stars, describing it as a 'cringe-out-loud satire'. He commended Pattinson's performance as 'sublime' and highlighted Borgli's pitiless writing, particularly in scenes depicting Charlie's self-absorbed wedding speech.
Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian noted the film's generic ambiguity, calling it an 'insouciantly offensive mashup' of Hollywood marriage comedy and high-school shooting themes. He pointed out its serious exploration of secret near-murderers in society.
Behind the Scenes and Audience Impact
Emma Stefansky of Empire emphasized that the big reveal is not the film's main focus; instead, it tracks how people deal with discovering loved ones are not who they seem. She praised the actors for thriving in an environment of uncomfortable dialogue and close-ups that reveal every flinch.
Johnny Oleksinski of the New York Post warned viewers to avoid spoilers, noting that the shocking twist might lead to theater walkouts. He described the film as gripping but stressfully stomach-churning, with a title that accurately reflects its content.
Summary of Critical Ratings
- The Independent: Four stars - 'Zendaya movie’s big twist makes this the most uncomfortable film of the year.'
- The Telegraph: Two stars - 'The Drama’s trailer took the internet by storm, promising dark twists and compelling romance, but the film is a damp squib.'
- The Times: Five stars - 'The film’s only flaw? That awful title.'
- The Guardian: Four stars - 'So The Drama is an insouciantly offensive mashup of two American phenomena.'
- Empire: Four stars - 'It’s a testament to Borgli’s skill as a writer and director that the big reveal is not the movie’s main focus.'
- New York Post: Three stars - 'Still, I wouldn’t be surprised if there are some furious theater walkouts.'
As 'The Drama' prepares for its US release, it continues to spark debate among critics and audiences alike, promising to be one of the most talked-about films of the season.
