The Drama Review: Robert Pattinson and Zendaya Deliver a Relationship Gut-Punch You Can’t Look Away From

The Drama is one of those movies that really stuck with me after I left the cinema. It’s also a movie that’s causing a lot of discourse online and was so jarring that I ended up seeing it twice to fully form my opinions for this review. 

The movie follows Charlie and Emma, a young couple who are planning to get married and they shows the lead up to the ceremony and the downfall/changes within their relationship. Robert Pattinson and Zendaya give phenomenal performances in this movie, the writer really finds ways to make you care and see the situation from all angles of the people immediately affected by it. 

Did I agree with every choice they made? No. Did I think that Emma was judged a bit harshly by (notably) the white people on canvas? Yes. It was like watching a train wreck happen in real time and not being able to turn away or get off no matter how uncomfortable and unfortunate it becomes. Essentially, without giving too much away, the downfall of the relationship begins as Charlie, Emma, and two of their close friends are on a double date & play a game where they state the worst thing they have ever done in their life. Emma confesses that in high school she had something pretty drastic planned out and it immediately shifts the entire conversation and perception of her to their friends and even Charlie. 

Following that, we gradually see the lead up to their wedding become more and more tumultuous within their own relationship and with worries creeping in from both parties. Charlie tries to move past this secret that was revealed, but it seems like no matter what, it always is in the back of his mind. On the other hand, Emma feels like it should be left in the past where it was and she wants to be able to move forward with the wedding and feel secure in her relationship. 

I thought that the storytelling and the writing was really amazing in the film. As mentioned before, it’s a movie that really sat with me after I saw it the first time & I felt the need to go and see it again to get the full picture. The creative team behind it does a good job of making you see the story from all angles, whether you agree with the character’s decisions or not is totally a personal opinion, but it still feels like you have no choice but to see the full picture. There were times where I really was frustrated with how Charlie reacted towards Emma or the actions he took in response to the secret.

Then I felt for Emma because it’s clear that she doesn’t want to be defined by something that she views as a dark point in her life that is not who she is at all. I think the subject matter is tough as well. It really brings it all to a place of questioning how unconditional is the love that you give to others in your life. At times, it feels like the love and care that Charlie (and even his friends) show Emma is fully conditional and only based on their perception of her.

I know this review is kind of vague, but The Drama is one of those movies that I think you should go in blind for. The trailers tell you enough of the story to pull you in, but it’s not the whole picture by any means. I was fully surprised by the entirely of the story and I think that it’s definitely a work that has caused a lot of discussion. Also, if there is one thing I will say, please do not go into this film thinking that you are getting a romcom. The movie is not that by any means & while there is romance there, I think it really analyzes the downfall of a relationship and the dynamics which affect our love.

Overall, I would give The Drama a 4.5/5 star rating. 

What did you think?

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