Zendaya & Robert Pattinson love and suffer! Our META Movie Review of The Drama

In "The Drama," Zendaya and Robert Pattinson make such a lovely couple. But then comes the plot twist—and suddenly everything threatens to go down the drain. In KinoCheck's spoiler-free META movie review, you'll find out what we think of this surprising film and what other critics are saying!

Here's what it's about

Ever since David Lynch's "Blue Velvet," we've known that in cinema, a closer look at the human ear can reveal abysses. In fact, the first thing we see in "The Drama" is the protagonist's ear. Emma Harwood, played by Zendaya, is sitting in a café, engrossed in her book. When Charlie Thompson (Robert Pattinson) enters the café, he simply can't help himself. He has to talk to her. But how? He sees the book's title and quickly Googles the plot. He plucks up the courage and speaks to her. Pretends he's read the book too. A little white lie. Even before they get to know each other. But she doesn't react at all. What on earth did he do wrong? The whole thing is embarrassing for him; he's about to give up and leave the café. Then she sets him straight. She simply didn't hear him. She was listening to music in one ear. And she's deaf in the other.

Boy meets girl. That's how simply the new film by "Dream Scenario" director Kristoffer Borgli begins—and that's also how the romance between Emma and Charlie begins. But the real drama is yet to come. Apart from this first encounter, which is essentially viewed in retrospect, the film focuses primarily on the couple's upcoming wedding. But before the wedding takes place, something happens that seriously shakes the relationship to its core. Which brings us back to the abysses.

Surprising genre shift

The film divides opinion, not least because of this turning point. Although "The Drama" has received many positive reviews, there are also critical voices. David Fear of Rolling Stone, for example, asks whether the whole thing is handled appropriately, or:

"Or if the sudden introduction of an issue much, much bigger than the film itself isn't simply a shock value masquerading as shock therapy."

We don't see it that way, and of course we don't give away the plot twist here. Even if it becomes the linchpin of the entire film. Just this much: Through it, Borgli executes a genre shift that truly lives up to the film's title. What begins as a supposed rom-com takes a sudden turn—and before we know it, the romance fades into the distance and we suddenly find ourselves in a full-fledged drama. Which doesn't mean, however, that the humor disappears. It simply becomes more dark. Not to say bitterly dark. Not to mention the cynical take on the U.S.—though any further details would spoil the plot twist.

In his favorable review, Guardian writer Peter Bradshaw asks whether "The Drama" isn't actually "satire or thriller" and sees the film's blurred genre lines as one of its strengths:

"Part of its ingenuity is this generic ambiguity."

The Drama poses fundamental questions

In any case, the dynamic between the characters suddenly becomes incredibly tense. But that's not all: Borgli uses this upheaval to pose fundamental questions about interpersonal relationships. Suddenly, Charlie sees his fiancée in a new light. Even insignificant events are judged quite differently in hindsight. Condemned. And he's not the only one. Implicitly, the film becomes an unobtrusive assessment of a culture of outrage that judges selectively, yet mercilessly.

David Ehrlich of IndieWire also addresses this aspect in his positive review, noting:

"Borgli is only interested in love and other social crises so far as he can leverage them to explore his favorite topic: The crucible of living at the mercy of other people's opinions."

Furious relationship drama

Last but not least, the film also explores what actually defines a person's essence. The sum of all decisions? A single act? The thoughts and plans one carries around with them? "The Drama" poses all these questions in a completely casual manner. Essentially, this clever film is a furious relationship drama that entertains superbly even independent of these questions.

One critic who sees it completely differently is Odie Henderson of the Boston Globe. His extremely negative assessment of the film stands out. He writes:

"Zendaya and Pattinson are trapped in this empty and tasteless provocation disguised as a marital dramedy."

Strong duo: Zendaya & Robert Pattinson

The two don't exactly seem "trapped" to us. Quite the opposite: the strong lead actors contribute significantly to the film's quality. Zendaya and Robert Pattinson harmonize perfectly. Especially in the moments when their characters are anything but in perfect harmony. A highlight: the scene where the two pose for the wedding photographer. How do you actually play an unhappy couple who, at the drop of a hat, pretend to be a happy couple while still looking unhappy? The answer can be read in every single facial expression of Zendaya and Pattinson. Wonderful!

Conclusion: Kristoffer Borgli's film has been well-received by many critics, though it has also sparked some controversy. We think: "The Drama" is clever, surprising, and bitingly dark!

"The Drama" is released in theaters on April 3, 2026.