The Drama (2026 | USA | 106 minutes | Kristoffer Borgli)
Kristoffer Borgli’s newest film, The Drama, starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, is a—you guessed it—drama masquerading as a rom-com, but with only bits and pieces of romance and comedy; instead, as the title suggests, it leans very heavily on the drama.
The film takes place in the week leading up to Charlie (Pattinson) and Emma’s (Zendaya) wedding. Borgli asynchronously tells the story of the happy couple’s dating relationship through memories and stories that so effortlessly encapsulate their love, it’s hard not to fall head over heels for their relationship. And this strong foundation of supporting their future marriage becomes all the more important as their lives begin to fall apart.
When at a last-minute menu tasting with their best man, Mike (Mamoudou Athie), and maid of honor, Rachel (Alana Haim), the four decide to confess the worst things they’ve ever done. The confessions range from immature mistakes to borderline criminal, resulting in Charlie rethinking his commitment to Emma and her friends turning against her.
One of the worst parts about reviewing this film is maintaining the secrecy of the twists and plot points that beg to be dissected deeper. But don’t worry, I would never dare spoil it for you. I just question the studio’s choice to keep this particular hot-button, triggering topic so under wraps. It’s not that I don’t think they should talk about it; I’m all for dissecting (primarily American) problems, and I think the film handles it fairly respectfully. I just worry about the repercussions for those more closely tied to events similar to the film. But that’s far more a marketing problem than a story problem, and I commend Borgli for tackling important issues and creating a space for hard conversations.
All that said, Emma’s confession is life-altering for Charlie. The two fall apart as their wedding date inches closer and closer. Pattinson brings a deep angst to Charlie as his entire being crumbles under the weight of his new reality. Zendaya is equally impressive, although hers is a more subtle performance as she confronts old feelings and memories, as she also deals with the nerves of being a bride. And yet, through it all, you can feel the real love and connection between these characters.
Borgli plays up the rom-com tropes to juxtapose happy Hollywood endings with the dumpster fire that has become Charlie and Emma’s wedding. But the romance never quite goes away for me. Zendaya and Pattinson have a chemistry that permeates every scene and leaves me hopeful for their future, even as the film is screaming at me to think otherwise.
Ultimately, The Drama is a story about second chances and how many you’d give to the ones you love. It asks the audience, Are we defined by the worst thing we’ve ever done? (What about the worst thing we’ve ever thought?) Borgli won’t hand you the answer; that’s for you to decide. The Drama is a film that demands to be thought about and discussed long after the theater lights come on, and that is where much of its beauty lies.
The Drama arrives in theaters on April 3
Image courtesy of A24