A24’s “The Drama”, starring Robert Pattinson and Zendaya, was without a doubt one of the most stress inducing movies I have ever seen. Released on April 3, 2026, “The Drama” is an original movie written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli. The trailer does almost nothing to prepare you for the emotional roller coaster you go through, and, to be honest, it is without a doubt better to go into this movie blind to get the complete experience. 

There is a nice refreshing feel in this movie, and I believe it is a pretty good one when considering the sea of adaptations, outright boring plots and sequels that have been filling theatres. 

The acting in this movie is definitely satisfying to watch. As expected of Zendaya, she gives 100 percent when portraying her character, Emma. There is definitely something in her that completely brings a character to life, from the small moments, to the huge outbursts, which is greatly highlighted in this role.

To accompany her is Pattinson, another gold star actor that really put his all into this film. With his character, Charlie, I truly felt like I was watching Charlie spiral in a flurry of emotions instead of Pattinson, the actor, which I think is very admirable in an actor to immerse the audience  in an experience so much that all they see is the character rather than the actor. 

I was also pleasantly surprised by the supporting actors and their ability to help along the story with their performances alone. 

Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Pattinson) start it off as a cliche, perfect couple. It is as if their relationship was perfectly crafted by the romantic comedy gods. 

During the planning of their wedding, Emma and Charlie meet up with their married friends Rachel (Alana Haim) and Mike (Mamoudou Athie). The four engage in a seemingly light-hearted conversation of the worst thing each person has done. However, Emma reveals something that completely sets off the group, having Charlie spiral over his decision of whether or not to follow through with the marriage.

The rest of the film spends its time following Charlie’s emotions unraveling with the situation at hand and reconstructing the entire tone of the movie. 

Now, it is almost impossible to make this movie’s plot seem as interesting as it really is when not revealing Emma’s secret that sets off the whole movie. However, all I can say without ruining the experience is, it really is that understandable of a tone-setting reveal from Emma’s character, and it is absolutely worth the watch. 

There are such interesting moments in this movie that really added to an authentic atmosphere which I can appreciate. Throughout the movie is a continuous cycle of cause and effect of each character that constantly has you carrying your head in a moment of stress. As an audience member, you are forced to sit through the pain as each consequence unfolds and adds to the pile of tension in this movie. 

In a Rotten Tomatoes interview, the audience remarked, “‘The Drama’ wrestles with questions of trust and forgiveness, drawing out profoundly uncomfortable emotions that linger long after the credits roll” which I think perfectly sums up the full experience of watching this movie unravel piece by piece.

“The Drama” sets itself apart from movies today by acting as a dark romantic comedy with a well done mix of unsettling scenes alongside the chuckle worthy moments. The only way to describe this movie is constant stress followed along with the never ending painful actions throughout the movie. That being said, this was a film that you definitely will not be able to forget and will leave you with a variety of persisting emotions that will be impossible to describe.