Rotten Tomatoes: 76%
Movie Meter: 6/10
Release: 2025
Genre: Drama
Available: HBO Max
The Drama is one of those movies where you spend the first half thinking you know exactly what you’re watching, and then suddenly you’re sitting there thinking, “Alright, what the hell is going on here?”
Robert Pattinson and Zendaya play Charlie and Emma, a couple getting ready to be married when a conversation about the worst things they’ve ever done completely derails everything. I’m not going to spoil the big reveal because that’s basically the entire movie, but let’s just say Emma has a little more baggage than expected.
The acting is easily the best part. Zendaya is really good, especially once the movie starts getting darker, and Pattinson continues his streak of playing guys who seem like they’re about three uncomfortable conversations away from completely losing it. The two of them are believable enough as a couple that when everything starts falling apart, it actually works.
Where the movie lost me a little was with some of the imaginary situations and dreamlike sequences. I understand what they were going for, showing what’s happening inside the characters’ heads rather than just telling us, but some of it was genuinely disturbing. There were a couple moments where I wasn’t sure if something was actually happening, was being imagined, or if the director just wanted everyone in the theater to feel uncomfortable for five straight minutes.
And apparently, making you uncomfortable is basically director Kristoffer Borgli’s whole game plan here. Mission accomplished.
The interesting part is that underneath all the weirdness, The Drama actually asks a pretty good question: How much should something from someone’s past change the way you see who they are today? And if someone tells you the absolute worst thing about themselves, do you actually want the truth or do you only want the truth if you can live with it?
That’s where the movie worked best for me.
It doesn’t completely stick the landing. There are moments where it feels like the movie throws a grenade into the room, watches everyone panic, and then refuses to tell you what the point of the grenade was. I would’ve liked a little more payoff after everything it puts you through.
Still, I liked it. It’s weird, uncomfortable, occasionally funny, and definitely not the romantic comedy the beginning makes you think you’re watching. Pattinson and Zendaya carry it, and whether you love the movie or hate it, you’ll probably have something to talk about afterward.
6/10, Good movie. Great acting. Extremely weird vibes. Do not watch this before discussing wedding plans with your fiancé.