Zendaya and Robert Pattinson's A24 Film 'The Drama' Sparks Major Controversy Over Plot Twist
The upcoming A24 film The Drama, starring Hollywood stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, has ignited significant controversy and backlash ahead of its theatrical premiere on April 3. The dark romantic-comedy, which has been heavily promoted in recent weeks, faces condemnation for a central plot twist that involves a school shooting revelation.
Columbine Victim's Father Voices Disgust and Criticism
Tom Mauser, whose son Daniel was among the thirteen victims killed in the 1999 Columbine High School massacre, has publicly expressed his disgust with the film's narrative device. In an interview with TMZ, Mauser stated that he finds it "awful" to use such a serious subject as a plot point in what is marketed as a romantic comedy. The father, who has been a gun reform advocate for twenty-five years, emphasized that he has not seen the movie but believes it "humanizes" potential shooters and "normalizes" school shootings, despite no actual violence being depicted on screen.
Mauser was particularly upset by Zendaya's recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on March 16, where he felt the actress did not treat the "big twist" with sufficient gravity. During the interview, Zendaya urged audiences not to spoil the revelation, saying, "I really hope that people don't spoil it for each other so they're allowed to go into it just unknowing and really experience the drama." Kimmel responded by noting the film could cause personal problems for viewers, to which Zendaya replied, "Those conversations can go many ways."
Film Details and Creative Team Response
The Drama is directed by Norwegian screenwriter Kristoffer Borgli, known for the 2023 comedy Dream Scenario. The ensemble cast includes Alana Haim, Mamoudou Athie, Hailey Gates, and Zoë Winters alongside the lead stars. In the film, Zendaya's character Emma confesses to her fiancé Charlie, played by Robert Pattinson, and their friends that she once planned a high school shooting during her youth but never carried it out.
In a press release, Zendaya addressed the anticipated interest in Emma's revelation, stating, "There's going to be a lot of interest around what Emma's big revelation is in the movie, and while I think that revelation is important and pivotal, it's about so much more than that. What happens to Charlie and Emma in the wake of her confession becomes the ultimate test of love and acceptance in a relationship, and what you're willing to do in the name of love."
A24, the independent entertainment company behind the film, has declined to comment on Mauser's critical remarks. The controversy emerged after TMZ reported that early screenings left some audience members uncomfortable with the twist, highlighting the sensitive nature of the subject matter as the release date approaches.
