The Drama (2026) Film Review: Dark surrealist rom com will not be for everybody
- reeltalkin'
- 1 minute ago
- 4 min read
On the eve of their wedding, a happily engaged couple is put to the test when, during a lighthearted game of 'what is the worst thing you have ever done?', one reveals a massive secret which threatens the future of their relationship.
The Drama (2026) is a romantic dark comedy/drama written and directed by Norwegian filmmaker Kristoffer Borgli (Dream Scenario, 2023), starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson in the leading roles as Emma and Charlie, respectively.
An A24 production, the movie gained a lot of attention for its effective marketing campaign, with a photograph of Pattinson and Zendaya sparking viral conspiracies' regarding the actors' private lives and possible romantic relations with each other.
The trailer also followed this cheeky trend by setting up the central premise strongly and promising spectators the biggest cinematic wedding event of the year.
True to its roots, this is likely to become one of the most controversial and divisive films of 2026, showcasing a bold, daring screenplay with a central revelation which may turn many viewers away.
It is also quite often laugh out loud hysterical due to pitch black comedy and situational humour which arises from the awkward nature of social scenarios and character interactions.
Without spoiling the major twist which Zendaya's Emma reveals to her fiancé and their best man and maid of honour, it is highly recommended to go into this movie completely blind to allow one to form their own opinion and judgement regarding its taboo subject matter.
Once the revelation has been made, it is very fascinating to watch the different reactions play out onscreen and challenges audiences with a provocative moral debate.
The film cleverly disguises itself as a simple dark rom-com with a twist, however; it is layered with complex, heavy themes and messages, encouraging deep engagement with the many thoughts and questions it raises, which sparks conversations with others.
There is a highly uncomfortable, excruciating and cringe inducing feel to the film, which is definitely a positive as it demonstrates a rich, multi-textured narrative that is not afraid to pose big questions whilst offering clear social and political satire on the side.
The movie is very well put together and tightly paced, exhibiting excellent editing by Borgli himself and Joshua Raymond Lee.
The polished edit immediately stands out from the beginning, as we are introduced to the meet-cute couple and get to know their personalities and backgrounds very efficiently through snappy cuts between the past and present, naturally bringing us up to speed with their relationship without feeling too overstylised or pretentious.
There is a minimalist chic aesthetic and grainy film quality to its presentation, with the couple's high rise apartment, wedding venue and work locations implying classic city-life luxury, without the frills or flair.
Charlie is a museum creator and Emma a book editor, with both appearing respectfully well off and financially stable, which makes Emma's subsequent world shattering confession even more impactful.
The pivotal scene of the four around the table is executed very well, establishing a dialogue heavy sequence as each gradually reveals their greatest secret, raising the suspense and tension as we wonder how much worse these confessions could get.
Borgli's attentive direction makes it very difficult to look away from the screen, with each plot or character revelation ensuring constant engagement throughout.
Due to much surrealist and dream-like imagery and sequences, the movie also remains deeply immersive and hypnotic as it experiments with what a character may imagine, before abruptly switching back to reality.
This particular creative choice is perfectly matched for this type of story, as Pattinson's Charlie is forced to question everything he thought he knew about his future wife, causing him much anxiety and confusion which is brilliantly realised through inventive visuals.
It is also quite unpredictable and unique regarding its bold concepts, very much feeling like a relevant product of the modern media landscape, which capitalises off current socio political tensions and circumstances.
Daniel Pemberton's original score perfectly encapsulates the mental and emotional turbulence both leads are going through, with unusual flute compositions reflecting the racing hearts and minds of the characters as the wedding rapidly approaches.
Both Zendaya and Pattinson easily excel in their roles and may even be some of their career best work so far. Their romance genuinely feels real and earnest, the two sharing believable chemistry and natural intimacy.
Robert in particular is so good at demonstrating impressive range in his characters and the raw vulnerability and fragility he experiences during the film is equally endearing as it can be humorous.
The movie features a surprisingly emotional ending which is both heartwarming and cathartic for the outcome of such a turbulent period in their lives. Outstanding performances from both players, especially during this final section.
Overall, The Drama will certainly not be to everyone's taste due to its controversial subject matter and offbeat, less conventional style and tone. However, for those viewers with a dark sense of humour and who enjoy being challenged by the media they consume, this is a super solid film to have a good time with at the cinema.
It is consistently entertaining throughout, whilst also offering a fascinating moral debate to leave you thinking and talking about long after the credits have rolled. Definitely go in to it with an open mind and be prepared for anything...
Check out the trailer for The Drama (2026) below, and please let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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