FILM REVIEW: THE DRAMA (15) ESP RATING: 4/5
- ESP Online
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
A slow-burning relationship piece that thrives on tension, secrecy – and one very bad decision.
The marketing for The Drama was, quite simply, perfect. The first I heard about this film was when a rather amateur-looking photo of Zendaya (Dune) and Robert Pattinson (The Batman) appeared in the wedding announcements section of a newspaper – as if it were a genuine engagement notice. Naturally, the internet went into meltdown. Was it real? Was it a stunt? What was going on?
Then came the trailer – and again, pitch perfect. It set up the premise without giving too much away, which is exactly how it should be done.
Written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli (Dream Scenario), The Drama leans heavily into discomfort, tension and character-driven storytelling.
The film follows Sundaia (Zendaya), a bride-to-be just days away from her wedding to her fiancé Charlie (Pattinson). During what should be a harmless pre-wedding gathering with their closest friends, the best man and chief bridesmaid introduce a game where you reveal the worst thing you’ve ever done. A terrible idea, really.
When Sundaia answers, she drops a revelation so shocking that it completely derails the evening – and potentially the relationship itself. From that moment on, the film becomes a tense, slow-burning exploration of trust, morality and whether some truths are better left buried. Can either of them move past what’s been said before the big day? You’ll just have to watch to find out – no spoilers here.
This is very much a character piece, and it won’t be for everyone. Both leads are actors we’ve seen in far more fast-paced or high-concept films, so some audiences may go in expecting something a little more conventional. In fact, there were a couple of walkouts during my screening.
But for me, and many others, it was completely captivating.
here’s a real tension running throughout, driven almost entirely by dialogue, awkward silences, and the unravelling dynamics between the characters. You’re constantly wondering how – or if – this situation can possibly be resolved. It’s not about big plot twists or spectacle; it’s about watching relationships strain under pressure.
Zendaya is, as expected, phenomenal - delivering a layered performance that balances vulnerability with a quiet intensity. Pattinson matches her beat-for-beat, bringing a simmering unease to his role that keeps you on edge.
If you’re willing to settle into its slow-burn nature, there’s a lot to get out of this riveting drama.
It’s uncomfortable – at times frustrating – but always compelling.
ESP Rating: 4/5
Mike Clarke
Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough & Odeon Luxe Peterborough, Out Now
Cast: Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Alana Haim, Mamoudou Athie, Hailey Gates, Zoe Winters & Hannah Gross
Running Time: 1 Hr 45 Mins
Director: Kristoffer Borgli
Film Review Venue: Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough
For all the latest film information & showtimes at Peterborough’s Showcase Cinema De Lux & Odeon Luxe cinemas go to www.showcasecinemas.co.uk and www.odeon.co.uk
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