We’ve all done things we aren’t proud of. Sometimes I wake up in a cold sweat of regret over all that money I took from that plane a couple decades ago. But what about the stuff you didn’t do? The things out of your control that don’t exist in the material world yet nonetheless are used to demonize and condemn you. That was the idea behind Kristoffer Borgli’s 2023 film Dream Scenario, an awkwardly funny dark comedy about the modern realm of fame and cancel culture, but it appears Borgli still has more to say with this kind concept. 

Which brings us to 2026’s The Drama, a follow up that, despite having a similar crux to Dream Scenario, doesn’t feel like it’s returning over trampled ground. It does return to the concept of people’s lives getting ruined not by what they’ve done, but the idea of them doing something bad. Dream Scenario used this idea to tackle the parasocial relationships and unrealistic expectations we form for people we hardly know, and now The Drama uses that idea in a way that hits a bit closer to home with how we’re perceived by others by actions we didn’t actually do. And it’s one of those films that’s gonna make you laugh as much as it makes you squirm.

Borgli continues his trend of dissecting the uncomfortable conversations of the modern era in stellar form with perhaps his most poignant film yet. The Drama is one of those films that holds a mirror up to you in real time as you watch, forcing you to make your assumptions and construct your feelings about the characters as they learn new information at the same time as you. It’s uncomfortable not just because of the subject matter, but because we’re almost living the discomfort alongside the characters. And luckily we have two of the best actors working today in Zendaya and Robert Pattinson leading the charge through these emotions while also pulling a lot of laughs out as well. Mix that with Borgli’s signature style of distorting reality and getting playful with the edit, and you’ve got a hell of a first date movie that’s sure to ruin things in record time.

The film follows couple Charlie and Emma just less than a week away from their wedding. Things seem all happy and whatnot until a fateful night of drunken oversharing with friends stands to ruin everything. They go in a circle, revealing the worst thing they’ve ever done, with Emma’s being the most shocking. With this newfound info about his bride-to-be, Charlie begins to second guess their upcoming wedding, but is he overreacting or are his feelings justified. And what did Emma do? Well…

A24 did a stellar job with the marketing for this film, because you don’t know what it is Emma did going in. But, based on the reactions from her friends in the trailer, it kinda makes you want to see the movie. This doesn’t have to do with the movie itself, I just thought it was great to have a film advertised in such a way where you get a good grasp on what it’s about, but not the why. And luckily, the film doesn’t dance around the secret either. You learn it very early on, which better helps you sympathize with all characters involved and allows you to slowly develop your feelings about the whole situation. It really is interactive in a way where you feel like you’re part of the story, because it’s not about the secret, it’s how people digest. I won’t spoil what it is, but it does make for some compelling reflections on the length of people’s forgiveness and understanding, even if it’s just over a thought rather than an act.

Robert Pattinson’s Charlie is the one who really takes the brunt of this info dump, becoming nervous, erratic and on the verge of a complete breakdown. But there’s layers to his feelings; layers that help you see where he’s coming from and layers that make you think he’s going about this all wrong. He gets so wrapped up in the concept of the secret that it completely inhibits his ability to see Emma as anyone but the person she was years ago. Pattinson is excellent in a role where you can both root for him and also want to slap him upside the head. Truly one of the best around.

And while Zendaya’s Emma and her unearthed past are the lightning rod for “the drama”, the focus is way more about Charlie’s reaction to the info. This does put Emma in a pretty sympathetic role, one that doesn’t even seem to toy with the idea of her being a different person than she was years ago. It kind of limits Zendaya’s potential here, but it does work in service of what the film is trying to accomplish. After all, she’s a victim of the crime of thought, not action, but she’s still being treated as if she’s the latter. This makes the character incredibly interesting on its own, even if it doesn’t give Zendaya as much to do as Pattinson here, yet this is in no way a terrible performance.

A performance I actually didn’t think I would praise as much is Alana Haim’s Rachel, Emma’s maid of honor. I’m not the biggest fan of Haim’s acting credentials as of yet, but I couldn’t help but feel she nailed the most relatable character in the film. Not relatable in the sense that I identify with her, but relatable because I know people like her. She’s an instigator that’s quick to harp on others but deflects any and all blame that comes her way. She is infuriating in this film, and I do think it takes some talent to pull that off, so I gotta give her props for that.

Borgli once again puts a lot of emphasis on the edit here, utilizing cuts to play with reality and visually reflects the anxiety the characters are feeling. It’s all very intentional, really amplifying the mental panic the characters are going through quick cuts and emphasis on moments and ideas that aren’t real, but are manifestations of their fears and psyche. There’s a moment where Charlie is going around the city with the teenage version of Emma, and even though the sight of it is pretty fun, the whole intention behind it is rather sweet. The editing is also a big tool for delivering on the comedy as well, particularly in the sound design. There’s several sound effects given an extra audio boost for emphasis, which is used to build anxiety in both a stressful and funny way.

Big props to the film, because the subject matter it decides to tackle is certainly heavy, but it represents a greater picture that certainly needs to be discussed. Some people might point out that it’s a film devoid of answers to said problem, but I don’t think it is. Because above all, the film is about compassion, understanding and forgiveness. Are people capable of change, and can we actually accept that they have changed? We live in a world where becoming empathetic and informed are encouraged, but only if we let you. Like Dream Scenario, this film reflects the modern age of understanding, which more often than not, becomes a game of moral superiority if left unchecked.

I love a film that isn’t afraid to be prickly about its subject matter, and I think The Drama definitely delivers. Its bold topic and the way it frames it teeters the line of distasteful, but it’s an honest reflection of the modern age in more ways than one. It completely unravels in a darkly funny and kinda sweet way that makes you wonder if there are things we can truly come back from. Of course, Pattinson and Zendaya are in top form, and I can’t emphasize enough how entertaining and engaging the editing is. If only real weddings were this drama filled. If I don’t experience a wedding where someone shouts “I object” before I die, I’m gonna be pissed.

RATING

RUMOR HAS IT

What is it about wine that gets people revealing their darkest secrets? Beer would never do that to you. Beer keeps your secrets locked up tight in exchange for ballooning your waistline. But a little rose is the catalyst for the entire downfall of our characters, so we’re gonna be making a cocktail with it. This is gonna be a simply structured yet complex tasting cocktail that combines rosé wine, amaretto and Campari into a bittersweet love letter to gossip. And for added curb appeal, we’re gonna also add a large ice cube with a rose frozen on top of it. Did you know roses were edible? You learn something new every day, and sometimes that thing you learn ruins your view of someone forever.

INGREDIENTS

• 1.5oz rosé wine
• 1oz campari
• 1/2oz amaretto
• Garnish: rose bud frozen in large whiskey cube

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir to chill.
2. Strain into rocks glass.
3. Add ice cube with rose bud.