Review: "The Drama" is a Nightmare to Watch and Even Worse to Describe
Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 7:18PM By Ben Miller
I won't lie and say you will absolutely enjoy Kristoffer Borgli's The Drama. In fact, there's a pretty good chance you will either hate it, or feel repulsed having watched it. This film lives in an uncomfortable and awkward world of anxiety which will turn many viewers off.
This film exists in an impossible world to market a film. You can't delve too much into the guts of the story without revealing the main conflict. You also can't spoil the parts of the film that come from that, because it just comes across as confusing. What you get is this vague picture of what the film might be about. The reality is: what if Tim Robinson tried to make a romantic drama, but secretly wanted to make a comedy? That's about what you can expect from The Drama...
It also doesn't help that the film is best viewed with zero knowledge or foresight into the actual narrative. Spoilers are out there in the world, and I'm not sure how my own viewing experience would have gone if I had known what I was getting beforehand. I usually don't care about spoilers (I enjoy film for the journey, not the destination), but this film is so narratively bound to the reveal, it's almost impossible to write about.
But, that's my problem, not yours. You came here to find out if this film is any good. I can tell you the film features fully committed performances and an interesting premise. I personally found it a fascinatingly complex view of the anxiety that comes with millennial marriage and preparation. But, that doesn't take into account the amount of times your jaw hits the floor. It's an extremely memorable moviegoing experience, regardless of your feelings. You certainly won't forget you watched it.
Robert Pattinson and Zendaya in 'The Drama"I kept thinking things I never think about when I watch movies. For example, I completely forgot the two massive movie stars on screen were who they were, despite playing very regular people. I kept thinking about how there is no way this film will ever make money. At the same time, I was wondering why the one guy in my screening thought it was the comedy of the year. Despite my enjoyment of what the film had to offer, I wondered: who the hell was this film even for?
It's a film riddled with people making poor decisions in the heat of the moment, but all those decisions are bells that can't be unrung. There is a recurring theme where Emma and Charlie have an awkward or painful interaction, and Emma asks to start over. That's what you want from this film. You want a time machine to show up and erase all the irrevocable damage made by these characters. Unfortunately, the audience is forced to sit in the pain and consequences.
At this point, I haven't even mentioned the film synopsis, because it's almost impossible to describe without divulging too many details. Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Robert Pattinson) are only weeks before their wedding. The couple seems relatively happy with a bit of early backstory on their relationship as they go over their wedding speeches. Out one night with their friends Rachel (Alana Haim) and Mike (Mamoudou Athie), Rachel suggests telling the group the worst thing they have ever done.
The reveal shifts the entire relationship of the group as well as the upcoming nuptials. That reveal happens about 20 minutes into the film and recontextualizes every interaction between Mike and Emma throughout their relationship leading up to the day of the wedding. I was thinking the same thing you are thinking: what could possibly be said that messes everyone up so badly? Believe me when I tell you, it's worth all the (no pun intended) drama.
Both the stars are more than willing to delve into any and all anxiety-riddled scenario Borgli throws at them. Zendaya's performance is much more interior, dealing with everything on the inside without necessarily expressing her feelings. Pattinson has much more to do, spinning in his own head for the last hour of the film. Most of the comedy comes from his thoughts and daydreams where he imagines the absolute worst case scenario.
Mamoudou Athie and Alana Haim
Among the supporting cast, Haim gets the biggest laughs when she delivers the world's most passive aggressive maid of honor speech in the history of weddings. Athie plays the closest thing to a referee, attempting to make everyone as happy as possible while trying to minimize the damage of all that comes with the reveal. Hailey Gates doesn't show up until the last 30 minutes, but sinks her teeth into a tricky role.
The Drama is a tough recommendation and a challenging watch. I found it a worthwhile experience, but I won't be surprised if you hate it. Manage your expectations, but I also advise going in blind.
Grade: B/B+
Reader Comments (17)
I probably wouldn't watch this anyway as I find both leads uncharismatic uncompelling and only marginally talented so thanks.
I read the spoiler, because these days I'm the kind of guy who needs to know what im getting into sometimes.
It made me feel that this might not be for me.
But I dont know if ill be able to resist watching Alana Haim give the most passive aggressive maid of honor speech in film history.
I think Zendaya will glide into her "Oscar era" as easily as she glided into her "Emmy era."
That is to say, the industry is obsessed with her but I don't get it at all. Her acting style is so paint-by-numbers. The character is sad? Pout your bottom lip. Happy? Smile. Angry? Furrow your brow. It's remdial Disney Channel basicness and in Dune, especially, that REALLY shows.
I think she was good in Challengers and I tend to give Luca credit for that until she proves me wrong.
@DK Agree,I don't get the so called obsession with her especially,is it the internet or the press or both,I mean they've tried to make her happen for a few years now and so far she's has ceased to be anything but pretty and a little talented.
It's the same with the men from Taylor Johnson to Hiddleston to Pattinson,marginally talented and fairly attractive men eating up plum roles for no other reason than executives and the press want them to happen yet they just aren't charismatic enough as film stars and they haven't got "It" certainly not the way films stars used to have it.
I wonder now where the Meryl's,Tom's,De Niro's,Hepburn's and Julia's are going to come from,I know they are one of a kind but apart from Emma Stone and Jennifer Lawrence and for the men Ryan Gosling no-one is doing it for me.
The only things I’ve watched with Zendaya are Dune, Challengers and now this. I think she has an incredible face, born for the camera.
I totally loved this. It’s a very Sweden depressing dark comedy, really my kind of thing. Pattinson is excellent as usual, but Alana Haim is the one that totally steals the scene.
Kristoffer Borgli’s The Drama sounds like one of those films that really divides people—and honestly, that’s part of its appeal. The way you describe it, it leans heavily into discomfort and unpredictability, which isn’t for everyone, but can be incredibly rewarding for viewers who enjoy unconventional storytelling. zelis provider portal login
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This sounds like one of those films that lingers in your mind long after it ends whether you liked it or not. The Drama seems to thrive on discomfort and unpredictability, which makes it both risky and intriguing. I like how you described that tension between comedy and emotional chaos it feels like something only actors like Robert Pattinson and Zendaya could pull off so naturally. Definitely not for everyone, but it sounds like a bold, unforgettable watch for those willing to sit with the awkwardness. For best estimating of construction click on Construction Estimating Services
This review really captures how unsettling yet captivating this film seems. The Drama feels like one of those rare experiences where discomfort is the whole point, and that’s what makes it memorable. The way you described the unpredictable tension and emotional fallout makes it sound almost like a carefully planned project where every detail matters. In a strange way, it reminds me of how precision is crucial in Construction estimating services one small miscalculation can change everything. Here, it seems the characters’ choices create that same ripple effect, making the story impossible to ignore.
This review makes The Drama sound like a bold and uncomfortable ride that really sticks with you. I like how you highlighted the tension between humor and emotional chaos it feels unpredictable in a way that keeps viewers on edge. The way every moment builds on the last almost reminds me of how precision matters in Lumber Takeoff Services each detail adds up, and one misstep can change the whole outcome. Definitely seems like a film you don’t watch casually, but one that leaves a lasting impression.
The Drama joins The Bride! and ”Wuthering Heights” on the list of 2026 “romantic” “dramas” I enjoyed (unlike many people whose opinions I respect).
Honestly, this is one of those films where your reaction says more about you than the movie itself. Kristoffer Borgli really leans into discomfort here, and it feels like The Drama is intentionally walking a tightrope between cringe, anxiety, and dark humor. The comparison to Tim Robinson trying to make a romantic drama is actually spot on—it’s awkward, unpredictable, and sometimes hard to process. Not for everyone, but definitely the kind of film that sticks with you long after it’s over.
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Thank you for acknowledging the laughter from the audience. I chuckled once or twice, almost out of nervousness, but people around me were acting like they were watching Seinfeld or Ted Lasso. I'm either too old or too serious, but is that how the mill-zennial set reacts to dark thoughts like this? We all had dark thoughts at 15, but geesh, my fleeting anger never turned into a consistent plan that was nearly executed. Terrifying.
I know no one will see this, especially after all the spam replies, but I just saw this yesterday and I thought it was pretty darn good. I would give it a solid B rating. The funny thing to me is that it feels almost realistic. I can see myself reacting the same way as everyone in this, particularly Robert Pattinson, who has never been better.
And Alana Haim has a delicious role as an instigating a-hole. She gives herself a ton of forgiveness and understanding, and directs none of that at anyone else.
I cringe-laughed a few times.
In addition to questioning the decisions the characters made, and wondering what choices I would have made in their shoes, I left the theater questioning what my few uncontrollable outbursts of laughter said about me, and what the total lack of laughter from some other attendees said about them.
If you like movies that impact you, this is one to see. B+