Directed by Kristoffer Borgli, The Drama is one of the most chaotic romance dramas you’ll ever see onscreen. The trailer and murmurs from Hollywood over the past week have subtly led audiences astray. In one of the best twists in recent memory, The Drama sees Zendaya and Robert Pattinson take us on a wild and unforgettable voyage to matrimony.
Set in Boston, the story follows the life and love of Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Pattinson). Starting in a very Tatte-esque cafe (D.C. folks know), Charlie shoots his shot and is horrifically off-target as Emma is deaf in one ear. Once she emerges from her book to notice him, she suggests they “start over” and re-introduce themselves. This becomes a go-to solution in the beginning, middle, and end of the film as their relationship experiences every level of drama imaginable.
Before I dig in, I want to issue a trigger warning for Black people and anyone of color who suffers in white spaces. The psychological terrorism that occurs in those spaces is real and does real damage. There are several areas of the film that purposely “go there,” and this would be counterproductive for you if movies are your escape from reality.
(L-R) Mamoudou Athie, Alana Haim.
Credit: Courtesy of A24
The controversy surrounding this film isn’t even noteworthy. Without spoiling the big reveal, a conversation amongst “friends” goes south once they all agree to reveal the worst thing they’ve ever done. Across from another couple, Mike (Mamoudou Athie) and Rachel (Alana Haim), they reveal their darkest secrets. Now, here’s what other critics aren’t mentioning. Only Mike, Rachel, and Charlie actually did deplorable things; Zendaya only thought about it. As a mixed-race couple, Mike and Rachel fall boldly into one of the few stenciled stereotypes about Black men with White women. Mike is mild-mannered and likes to keep the peace, while Rachel is more of a “Karen”; loud-mouthed, choosing violence at the ready. The entire conversation would never have happened had she not bullied her husband into admitting to an uncomfortable decision from his past. Furthermore, she goes off on Emma as a choice, because Rachel “chose” to be a victim at a time when Emma was being vulnerable. An entire dramatic mess.
Emma’s admission changes everything. The setting was a food and wine tasting for their wedding, but after that egregious interaction, the only thing that was in doubt was their friendship. It was Charlie, an F boy through and through, who made everything about him from then on, and obsessed over her thought process. Questioning her every action, he tries to find a motive as to why she would “think” of such a thing. Perusing through her past (conversations with her, flashbacks for audiences), he probes her every choice, deciding if they’re of any value. Her experiences, his evaluation. It’s very nerve-racking, abusive behavior.
Charlie’s obsession makes daily life almost unbearable. On Emma’s end, she worries daily about how she’s being perceived and if Mike and Rachel have told anyone. From then on, the drama continues to build momentum until it reaches its ultimate peak at the wedding. Plot twists and turns and a boatload of drama take place in a movie that definitely lives up to its title.
(L-R) Zendaya, Robert Pattinson.
Credit: Courtesy of A24
So, to address the ultimate question, “Is the movie controversial?” No, no, it’s not. The subject matter that’s addressed is a hot-button issue, but saying that issue out loud doesn’t make a film controversial. Humanizing someone who has “thought” of violence shouldn’t be frowned upon, especially if it’s fictional.
The Drama gets a 7.5 out of 10. The film does a lot, sometimes hitting the mark, other times to its detriment. I wouldn’t see it again, but it’s definitely worth seeing once. The soundtrack should be discussed more, as it was a surprising touch to the film. But for the film itself, there’s not a single likeable character. Not one. From coworkers to the main characters themselves, they’re all disappointing. Above average writing, above average acting, but again, the film got on my nerves more than it entertained. Some have already told me this is in their top five (films) of the year. I vehemently disagree. The “R” rating is appropriate for language, blood, violence, and sex.
The Drama is in theaters now.
-Jon Jones
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Genre: Drama/Romance
Rating: R
Runtime: 1 hr 45 minutes
Trailer: Watch
U.S. Release Date: April 3, 2026