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+