A24 has a knack for producing films that subvert audience expectations. “The Drama” perfectly balances a comedically dark and absurd love story that walks hand in hand with thriller-like suspense that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
The film follows Emma and Charlie, played by Zendaya and Robert Pattinson respectively, an engaged couple a week from their wedding day. It opens with a montage of the firsts of their relationship, recounted from Charlie’s wedding day speech. The two rehearse their first dance, argue about their DJ and meet their friends for a wine tasting.
This is where the second act begins. Emma shares a dark, shocking and twisted secret that leaves the others questioning if she is a psychopath. Charlie begins spiraling, calling the entire relationship into question: Who is this person he’s about to marry?
Throughout the film, events, perspectives and visions are presented slightly out of chronological order. As the characters question reality, so does the audience.
“The Drama” executes the tactics of a thriller in a unique way. Suspense is built using close-ups that are held almost too long. These intensify the awkward and uncomfortable interactions that leave actors no place to hide. Every excruciating moment is experienced and shared by the audience.
The script, written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli, is intentional. Every scene and every line have a purpose and gives the narrative nuance. It offers realism to a relationship in an unrealistic situation. Foreshadowing is the script’s defining characteristic. Whether it hints to a reveal the audience will see in five minutes or at the end of the film, the anticipation and payoff is a continuous cycle.
Borgli also made excellent use of the most essential cinematic element: time. The audience sees only what is important and necessary for understanding the story. This lends the script the ability to take time without wasting it, drawing out the scenes that hold the heart of Emma, Charlie and their relationship.
The thriller elements are enhanced through deliberate sound design. In large part, the film is purely dialogue with the ambient noise of the environment. The exception is the score of the film, which is primarily strings. The strings are disconcerting and unnerving, and enter scenes in varying volume, sometimes unnoticeably, to underscore moments of extreme tension.
Ironically, for a movie whose plot is anything but, subtlety in sound, script and cinematography make “The Drama” a compelling story and gripping movie-going experience.
The story took a surprising turn than what had been advertised before the film reached theaters. The trailers and interviews promoting the movie’s release were very careful to keep this secret under wraps. While the ignorance of the subject will aid in the shock and immersion of the viewing experience, the use of such a sensitive subject for dramatic effect will likely be viewed as distasteful and offensive to some.
Casting Zendaya and Pattinson was a double-edged sword. They are both talented character actors who can embody the heart of a character for a captivating and believable portrayal of the human condition.
Given the controversial subject matter of the film, such portrayals from high-profile actors may leave impressionable audiences with more romanticized or distilled views on the severity of the subject. For this film, it is important to be reflective and mindful of its themes when leaving the theater.
