THE DRAMA -- A Twist That Will Have Everyone Talking

Review by Chadd Clubine

The Drama promises one of the decade’s boldest twists—so much so that its marketing practically revolves around it. It’s hard not to feel a sense of curiosity about what the reveal could be, and how performers as skilled as Zendaya and Robert Pattinson will navigate it. Directed by Norwegian filmmaker Kristoffer Borgli, the film marks his second American production following 2023’s Dream Scenario. There are intriguing thematic throughlines connecting the two works, ones that seem to reflect aspects of Borgli’s own perspective, making it difficult to discuss them without brushing up against spoilers. Still, there’s plenty to unpack in terms of the film’s craftsmanship and how audiences are likely to respond.

Films like The Drama are a strong case for more restrained, strategic marketing. Trailers today often reveal far too much, but here, the promise of a major twist is essential to the film’s appeal—without it, the experience simply wouldn’t land the same way. That said, the very thing that draws audiences in is also likely to spark controversy once the twist is revealed. Adding to the confusion, theaters like AMC have been positioning the film as a romantic comedy. In reality, it plays more like an absurdist dark comedy, laced with offbeat humor and an undercurrent of thriller-like tension. The result is something that feels wholly distinct from most recent releases, while still echoing the influence of the French New Wave. Whether audiences embrace it or reject it, The Drama seems destined to leave a lasting impression—one of those films people will continue to debate and dissect for years to come.
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Having a filmmaker from outside the United States gives the film’s central reveal an added layer of intrigue. Without spoiling it, Borgli seems less interested in the twist itself than in what it reflects—how an ongoing cultural anxiety might appear from an outsider’s perspective, and how easily those anxieties can spiral into something distorted or even unreal. While the premise suggests the revelation stems from Zendaya’s character’s past, the film is really shaped by how Pattinson’s character processes it. His reaction becomes the narrative engine, guiding the audience through the emotional and psychological fallout. There are also clear indications that his character struggles with OCD, particularly in the way he fixates on and attempts to rationalize this new information. Even if the film doesn’t fully center that aspect, it succeeds in conveying a more universal idea: that people are not defined by who they once were, or by the thoughts they’ve had.

Zendaya and Pattinson have both come a long way in their careers, and this film makes it clear why this is just the first of their three collaborations this year. Their performances carry echoes of classic pairings in films like When Harry Met Sally and The Graduate, marked by a subtlety that feels both controlled and deeply authentic. There’s a restraint to their work here that makes it all the more compelling—nothing is overplayed, yet every moment feels lived-in and genuine. It’s the kind of acting that rewards repeat viewings, revealing new layers each time. More importantly, their chemistry is completely convincing, grounding the film’s more abstract ideas in something emotionally tangible.
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The film isn’t without its shortcomings, some of which may play better on a rewatch. While the central twist is undeniably shocking, it doesn’t feel as fully explored as it could be. At times, the narrative drifts into subplots that don’t quite pay off, creating a sense of momentum that stalls rather than builds. There are also moments where supporting characters make choices that feel inconsistent, particularly in how they respond to key revelations. Although the ending clearly conveys the film’s core ideas, its brisk 106-minute runtime and relentless pacing make it feel over almost as soon as it begins.

Overall, we need more films like The Drama—projects that resist overexposure in their marketing and still leave audiences with something meaningful to sit with once the credits roll. Its shocking, controversial twist is bound to spark conversation, for better or worse. Zendaya and Pattinson are operating at the top of their game, delivering performances that anchor the film’s more daring choices. Even with its flaws, the brisk pacing and resonant themes make this one that’s hard to ignore—and even harder to forget.

The Drama is in theaters now!

RATING: 3.5/5