The Drama Film Review: Is Zendaya’s New A24 Movie Worth It?

Every so often, a film arrives with enough star power and studio credibility to make you genuinely curious. The Drama, Kristoffer Borgli’s new dark comedy from A24, is one of those films. Starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson as a couple whose relationship unravels days before their wedding, it’s been generating serious buzz since its premiere last month. In this The Drama film review, I’ll break down whether it lives up to the hype – and whether it’s worth your cinema ticket.

What Is The Drama About?

The setup is deceptively simple. Emma Harwood (Zendaya), a bookstore clerk from Louisiana, and Charlie Thompson (Pattinson), a British museum director, are days away from tying the knot. Then Emma discovers something unsettling about Charlie – something that throws everything into question.

Without giving too much away, the film sits somewhere between psychological thriller and pitch-black comedy. Borgli, who previously directed Dream Scenario with Nicolas Cage, has a knack for taking ordinary social anxieties and cranking them up to uncomfortable extremes. He does the same thing here, using the premise of a wedding-gone-wrong to explore trust, vulnerability, and the strange things people hide from each other.

The Drama Film Review: How Do Zendaya and Pattinson Perform?

Let’s get straight to it – both leads are excellent. Zendaya continues to prove she’s one of the most versatile actors working today. Her Emma is warm and grounded early on, then increasingly rattled as the story takes its turns. There’s a scene midway through where she sits in silence processing what she’s learned, and it’s one of the best bits of acting you’ll see this year.

Pattinson, meanwhile, plays Charlie with the kind of awkward British charm he does so well, but there’s an undercurrent of something darker that keeps you guessing. The pair have strong chemistry, which makes the unravelling all the more painful to watch.

The supporting cast is solid too. Mamoudou Athie brings some much-needed warmth as Emma’s best friend, and Alana Haim is quietly brilliant as Charlie’s sister who may know more than she’s letting on.

Is The Drama Worth Watching at the Cinema?

Yes, with a caveat. This isn’t a feel-good date night film. It’s rated 15 in the UK for strong language, sexual content, and some bloody imagery. If you’re after something light, this isn’t it. But if you enjoy films that sit with you afterwards – the kind you’ll be debating with friends over drinks – then The Drama delivers.

At just under two hours (106 minutes), it doesn’t outstay its welcome. The pacing is tight, particularly in the second half, where Borgli ratchets up the tension beautifully. There are moments that made me uncomfortable, which I think is exactly what the director was going for.

If you enjoyed recent A24 releases like Sinners – which we also reviewed here – you’ll likely appreciate the tone. It’s that same blend of arthouse sensibility with enough mainstream appeal to keep a wider audience engaged.

How Critics Are Responding to The Drama

The film currently holds an 85% score on Rotten Tomatoes, which puts it comfortably in fresh territory. Most critics have praised the performances and Borgli’s direction, though some have found the subject matter deliberately provocative in a way that doesn’t always land.

That feels about right to me. This is the kind of film that’s going to split audiences. Some will find it thrilling and thought-provoking. Others will find it gratuitously uncomfortable. I’d put myself closer to the first camp, though I understand the criticism.

What’s undeniable is the craft on display. The cinematography is gorgeous – all muted tones and claustrophobic framing that mirrors Emma’s growing unease. The score does heavy lifting too, shifting from romantic strings to something far more unsettling as the story progresses.

How Does It Compare to Other A24 Releases This Year?

A24 has had a strong 2026 so far, and The Drama sits comfortably in their upper tier. It’s more accessible than some of their more experimental offerings, but still has enough edge to satisfy fans of the studio’s particular brand of filmmaking. If you’ve been following our entertainment coverage, you’ll know we’ve been impressed by what’s on offer at cinemas and on streaming this spring.

The Verdict

The Drama is a taut, well-acted dark comedy that benefits enormously from its two leads. Zendaya and Pattinson elevate material that could easily have felt gimmicky in less capable hands. It won’t be for everyone – the subject matter is unsettling at points – but for those who appreciate films that take risks, this is well worth the price of admission.

It’s out in UK cinemas from 3 April 2026, and if you’re looking for something to see this weekend that isn’t a sequel or a superhero film, you could do a lot worse. For more of our film and entertainment reviews, have a look at our recent Peaky Blinders write-up too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Drama suitable for younger teenagers?

No. The Drama has a 15 certificate in the UK due to strong language, sexual content, and some bloody imagery. It’s aimed squarely at adult audiences.

How long is The Drama film?

The Drama runs for 106 minutes (1 hour 46 minutes), making it a fairly standard length for a cinema outing.

Where can I watch The Drama in the UK?

The Drama is in UK cinemas from 3 April 2026. It’s distributed by A24, so check your local cinema listings for showtimes. There’s no confirmed streaming date yet.

Is The Drama based on a true story?

No. The Drama is an original screenplay written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli. While the themes feel grounded and realistic, the story is entirely fictional.