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Film
Mar 31, 2026

Zendaya and Robert Pattinson's The Drama: A Provocative Romcom

AI Summary
The Drama, a new romantic comedy starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, has received mixed reviews for its provocative and darkly comedic take on relationships and violence.

The Drama, directed by Norwegian filmmaker Kristoffer Borgli, is a jeu d'esprit of outrage, a psychological meltdown that is more astutely articulated than in many another more solemnly intended film.

The film centers around Charlie, played by Robert Pattinson, a young British art historian based in the US, and Emma, played by Zendaya, a beautiful and charming young woman who is deaf in one ear. Their whirlwind romance leads to a wedding, but their relationship is put to the test when Emma reveals a dark secret from her past: at 14, she planned a high school shooting but was thwarted when another shooting occurred at a local mall, killing a friend.

The film's tone is a delicate balance of satire and thriller, leaving viewers questioning whether it's a black-comedic absurdity or a serious commentary on the darker aspects of human nature. The film's ingenuity lies in its generic ambiguity, making it difficult to categorize as solely a romantic comedy or a thriller.

The Drama has sparked controversy and debate, with some critics praising its bold and insouciantly offensive approach, while others have expressed discomfort with its handling of sensitive topics like gun violence and mental health.

Despite some critics arguing that the film slightly falls down in its portrayal of the aftermath of Emma's non-crime, it offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche and the complexities of relationships.

The Drama is set to release in Australia on April 2, and in the UK and US on April 3.