‘The Drama’ Invites Controversy to the Wedding

Don’t be fooled by its title — “The Drama,” directed by Kristoffer Borgil, is a comedy, although its subject material is no laughing matter. 

Set in Boston, “The Drama” follows the charming Charlie (Robert Pattinson) and introverted Emma (Zendaya), a seemingly perfect couple, the week before their wedding. The film opens with quick, fast-paced montages of moments of the two which they plan to include in their wedding day speeches. The pacing sets the tone for the rollercoaster ride the audience will inevitably go through with this couple. 

Visually, the film is aesthetically pleasing, but that’s a given. It was shot on a 35mm film camera and backed by A24, a production company known for sensational visuals in their films. 

Emma and Charlie couldn’t be more in love as audiences relive their meet-cute, first date and first kiss — that is, until Emma’s forced to reveal the worst thing she’s done among friends, changing the way Charlie views her and leading to a week of spiraling for both parties.

The film is funny, with strong comedic performances from the leads and supporting cast members, Alana Haim and Mamoudou Athie, hilarious bits and irony throughout. But due to its subject matter, it feels almost wrong to laugh.

The source of the couple’s rift is meant to make viewers feel uncomfortable and spark discourse — and it does so successfully. 

The film is a hard watch as Pattinson (“Twilight,” “The Batman”) and Zendaya (“Challengers,” “Spiderman: Homecoming”) make the audience feel their unease, anxiety and stress — however, it’s also a film viewers won’t be able to look away from and will have to see through, even if it causes extreme levels of discomfort. 

Throughout, it causes audiences to question what they consider a dealbreaker, and how they would react in Charlie’s shoes, whether they would leave Emma for her past or stay and plan for the future.

Outside of her work in “Euphoria,” the film is Zendaya at her best. She excels most when playing characters in her age range, making the character and performance feel more natural. While Emma’s secret is horrid, through Zendaya’s frown and downcast eyes, one can’t help but feel slight empathy toward her. The regret of sharing something they shouldn’t have is something many have gone through.

Pattinson shines as the apprehensive and fickle Charlie. The animated Pattinson does a good job of showcasing the inner turmoil Charlie goes through deciding whether or not he should go through with this wedding. 

While Charlie’s back-and-forth sets up hilarious sequences and actions in the film, it’s Pattinson’s comedic timing and facial expressions that drive the scenes home.

Together, the two actors’ chemistry is undeniable, making their team up for more 2026 films all the more exciting.

While the film is riveting, the backlash it’s already received is understandable. In a way, it could give the wrong impression and glamorize the issue at hand.

However, as sensitive as this secretive subject is, it begs the question: should art be limited in what topics it covers, or is all fair game? Isn’t the point to spark discussions that can lead to actual change?

Whether or not Emma should be punished for the offence is up for the audience to decide on Friday.

“The Drama” is in theaters April 3.