As the title suggests, the movie The Drama is dramatic, but it's also a dark comedy that keeps the audience eager to discover what happens next.
Most of the film takes place during the week leading up to Charlie and Emma's wedding, beginning with how they met, and their first date. As the story unfolds, it includes flashbacks from Emma's teenage years, following her move at the start of high school because of her father's military career.
The crux of the film occurs during a food tasting for the wedding, featuring Charlie (Robert Pattinson), Emma (Zendaya), Charlie's best friend Mike (Mamoudou Athie) and his wife Rachel (Alana Haim). While sampling food and wine, Rachel, who's also the maid of honor, suggests they play a game in which they must confess to the worst thing they've ever done.
I would consider Rachel's admission the worst; Charlie's is nearly as bad, and Mike's is just humorous. Then it comes to Emma. Obviously it's a spoiler because it's not shown in the trailer, so I won't give it away.
Rachel is openly appalled by Emma's admission, while Charlie, who is already anxious and a worrier, struggles to process it. This leads to the question, will they be going through with the wedding in light of this confession?
Through flashbacks, we learn what led Emma on the path to what she's admitted, while Charlie becomes more and more of a nervous wreck as the wedding date approaches.
Throughout the film I found it difficult to predict the outcome, as the audience is drawn into an enthralling, unpredictable narrative. Robert Pattinson portrays his character with a blend of anxiety and helplessness, which makes us want to reassure him but also, at times, give him a shake. Zendaya matches his performance with a mix of uncertainty and strength. She accepts her past, but the reactions of others occasionally lead her to question whether or not she's a good person.
Alana Haim, best known for her starring role in Paul Thomas Anderson's Licorice Pizza, delivers a commanding performance filled with nastiness and spite, allowing the audience to empathize with Emma. Mamoudou Athie as Mike is supportive of Charlie and clearly disapproves of his wife's malicious anger toward Emma.
The quirky ending wraps up the story in a satisfying way. It's been a while since I've seen a movie this captivating. ~Alexandra Heilbron
5 out of 5 stars.
The Drama is now playing in theaters. Click here for showtimes. If you have seen The Drama and would like to rate/review it yourself, click here.