Quirky, weird, and off-beat – The Drama (2026) is one of those films that leaves you guessing until the very end. Written and directed by Dream Scenario (2023) director, Kristoffer Borgli – The Drama (2026) is led by Robert Pattinson’s Charlie and Zendaya’s Emma. The film’s clever marketing and promotion kept the story and its integral themes closely under wraps. It’s official poster reveals nothing unusual, that is until the film unravels on the big screen. The opening sets the tone straight away. It lets the audience know they’re set for a roller coaster ride of emotional turmoil and dangerous turns.
Seemingly on the surface, Charlie’s and Emma’s life together feels like a whirlwind romance as they’re swept up in their deep infatuation for one another. But even when they spend so much time together, they soon realise they don’t really know each other at all. It’s first-act shows the early stages of their relationship as Charlie writes a secret book with descriptions on how Emma’s kindness inspires him.
But then the tone shifts as one night whilst drinking with their friends – Rachel (Alana Haim) and Mike (Mamoudou Alhire), they play a confession game – “What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?” This scene captures the striking intensity from the moment Charlie and Emma realise they’re no longer in control of their lives. Emma’s bombshell confession leads Charlie to look at her completely differently. It makes us reflect and question our own lives too – do we really know the people closest to us?
An Intense Thrill-Ride of Emotions
Undoubtedly, Kristoffer Borgli creates a well-thought out, intentionally uncomfortable atmosphere which turns this romantic drama into a tense thrill-ride of emotions. It’s second-act taps into the dark horror embedded in its script. Although, tensions ramp up as the wedding nears and Charlie becomes increasingly unsure about his ‘yes’ at the altar. Charlie’s charming British wit meets Emma’s fierce intelligence. Their meet-cute moments could be straight out of a cookie-cutter rom-com. But it’s all taken away from them with the unravelling of Emma’s childhood. Bullied at school, as a teenager she nearly goes through with a school shooting. But after hearing news of mass casualties at the mall, she pulls out of her plan last-minute. After becoming deaf in one ear from practising with her father’s rifle, Emma navigates through all the lies.
Tapping Into Different Genres
The Drama (2026) is a master at tapping into different genres. It could be classified as a romance, a thriller, and a black-comedy. There’s an unpredictability in its story which makes each scene grow in intensity. Both Robert Pattinson and Zendaya play their roles excellently here as the emotionally stoic couple who attempts to love, forgive, and change for one another. Shaking off tough judgement from Rachel and Mike, the wedding reveals all the built-up tension and turmoil on the big day.
Ending in a blood-stained disaster, Charlie’s and Emma’s story is for a niche audience who prefer the more off-beat, weird, and unpredictable films. With tensions and turns, the film also speaks on the dangers and realities of today. Through rising problems of bullying, cyber bullying, and school shootings – the film blends a couple’s love story with secrets and the harmful effects of childhood bullying. Through its clever off-beat tone and black-comedy undertones, it’s both serious and humorous at the right times.
The Drama (2026) is available to watch across UK cinemas now. You can read more reviews, including The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026) here.
Rating: 3 ½ Stars