The Drama

by Mike McGranaghan

The Drama is built around a secret that the studio is intentionally hiding from audiences. After much consideration, I’ve decided not to reveal that secret here. One could certainly argue that A24 is being irresponsible in not making the film’s true subject matter known. People will come expecting a lightweight romantic dramedy, only to be abruptly confronted with an extremely heavy topic. Walkouts are almost certain, as some viewers will be offended or upset.

Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Robert Pattinson) are a few days away from their wedding. During an alcohol-fueled dinner with best friends Rachel (Alana Haim) and Mike (Mamoudou Athie), the conversation turns to the question, “What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?” Emma’s answer is the story’s big secret. It’s revealed roughly 25 minutes in. The rest of the picture deals with Charlie’s efforts to decide whether he can proceed with the rapidly approaching nuptials knowing what he now knows.

As shocking as The Drama’s twist is, it’s a valid subject for a film. Writer/director Kristoffer Borgli (Dream Scenario) takes two approaches in addressing it. At times, he goes for cringe humor, exploring the discomfort that arises from the revelation. One scene, for instance, finds the couple struggling to look normal and in love for a very confused wedding photographer. Borgli isn’t mocking [redacted], he’s trying to depict the way certain thoughts refuse to leave once inside your head. Still, a feeling of guilt may accompany the laughter.

If the comedic side is iffy, the dramatic side plays a little better, considering you’re okay with the premise. The Drama homes in on the destruction a secret can have within a relationship. Emma doesn’t want to have her entire being judged by the worst moment in her life. Charlie struggles with wondering if he can ever look at Emma again without mentally picturing her past. Their individual struggles are unique, but the problem of navigating a healthy marriage around the revelation is shared. If you love someone, can you forgive anything? If you’ve made a huge mistake in life, how much forgiveness are you entitled to seek from your loved ones?

The stars do a lot to bring emotional truth to the story. Pattinson strongly conveys the mental wrestling match taking place in Charlie’s brain, showing how profoundly it torments him. Zendaya is even better. She gives Emma a wounded quality that’s occasionally punctured by anger. The character acknowledges the wrongness of her behavior yet feels understandable resentment that her future husband and their mutual friends suddenly see her only by a label. In her excellent performance, Zendaya creates a portrait of regret and fear of rejection that’s often heartbreaking.

Because of what the film is about, getting to a satisfying ending proves tricky. Borgli does pull one out, although only through a somewhat contrived bit of ironic plotting. The Drama, despite the misleading marketing, is an audacious work, not always entirely on point but perpetually challenging. Could it have been made with a less provocative twist? Yes, but provocativeness is what allows the themes to be investigated most fully. That sense of daring - coupled with outstanding turns from Zendaya and Pattinson - makes the movie worthwhile for those who come prepared.

And if you want or need to know what the secret is, here you go.

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