Written by: Peter Caram
With this year’s film season beginning, A24 has released its next film, The Drama, starring both Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. After the film’s release, there has been some controversy about the film due to its themes and messages. But the question is just how controversial is this film?
Story-wise, this film is about Emma, played by Zendaya, and Charlie, played by Robert Pattinson, an engaged couple who are preparing for their wedding until they play a game of saying the worst thing they have ever done with their friends. Emma reveals a dark secret of the worst thing she’s ever done, causing Charlie to question her and their relationship just a few days before their wedding. I thought the story for this film was the most stressful story I have seen in the cinema, but I was hooked regardless, which just shows that this film lives up to its name. However, the themes and messages of this film, specifically with what Emma did, are indeed controversial, and while I understood the message, I feel like the general audience won’t understand the themes and messages of this film.
The visuals of this film were good, and I loved how this film was shot, especially the coloring of the film.
Both Zendaya and Robert Pattinson give phenomenal performances, as they have you question the characters’ actions and their morality. As for the supporting cast, I thought Alana Haim was great in this film, especially since we have not seen her in a film since Licorice Pizza.
My overall score for this film is an 8/10, not just for being another good A24 film but also for having controversial themes and messages about modern dating and morality.