The one thing that can be said for certain about A24’s latest release, “The Drama,” is that it is a profoundly difficult movie to watch. Whether or not that difficulty makes for an enjoyable experience is entirely dependent on whether or not the viewer relishes in the awkward and disturbing truths that pepper the runtime or wallows in it.
This latest directorial effort from Kristoffer Borgli, whose previous work included such thrilling mindbenders as the Nicholas Cage-led “Dream Scenario” in 2023, returns with a decidedly shocking and often mystifying film.
Something viewers should know before entering the theater is that this flick allots absolutely zero time to breathe. From the first few minutes to when the credits start to roll, you will feel as if a weight is being pressed upon your chest, and the weight grows heavier as the movie goes on. This is mostly thanks to the script, which makes no reservations about the viewer’s comfort; in fact, Borgi—who both wrote and directed—seems to have been on a mission to pen a picture that would be as emotionally harrowing to watch as possible.
The writing alone would not be capable of producing such discomfort, however; the second part of the equation is the actors bringing the pages to life. Pattinson and Zendaya both deliver top-notch performances, each of them squeezing the most awkwardness possible out of every line, an accomplishment that is particularly painful whenever the two share the screen. Zendaya is especially noteworthy, juggling the emotions of a character whose situation goes beyond complex and very nearly dips into the absurd. There are few standouts in the supporting cast: most of the secondary players serve merely as a foundation upon which the drama can unfold. That said, several of the actors navigate the highly competent script with a deftness that makes for several squeamish and darkly hilarious scenes. Jordyn Curet as a younger version of Zendaya’s character, and Damon Gupton as her father, have some particularly standout moments that are sure to leave you wincing.
“The Drama” is a masterclass in objective-based filmmaking. Watching this flick, it feels as if the entirety of the runtime is dedicated to making the viewer as uncomfortable as possible. In that regard, it is a resounding success; but it is an incomplete evaluation, because what the audience makes of this discomfort is entirely up to the personal tastes of each viewer. Those with more glib personalities are likely to enjoy the film as a pitch-black farce, a spiraling comedy of errors that never once lets up. Those who find themselves turning away from the cringe moments instead of relishing them may be too uncomfortable to actually enjoy themselves. And then there are those who won’t be able to get past the extraordinarily dark subject matter of the central conflict, which is, admittedly, highly disturbing. To this third category of viewer, and anybody else who would classify themselves as faint of heart, I would advise against inserting yourself into “The Drama.”
Quinn Berg is a Dakota Student Section Editor. He can be reached at [email protected].
