The Drama: For better or for worse, literally

Save the date, you are formally invited to join Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Robert Pattinson) in declaring their love for each other on April 3rd – supposedly.

When a fake engagement between Zendaya and Robert Pattinson was printed in the Boston Globe newspaper in December, Kristoffer Borgli’s latest film The Drama received a mountain of attention. This film has been enticingly alluring since its initial announcement, and whether it was the fascinating “save the date” tagline, or the fantastic casting choices of Zendaya and Pattinson, it is highly likely that this film grabbed your focus as well.

The question which stands is whether or not this film lives up to the extraordinarily high expectations set for it by both its promotion and the media.

Before watching The Drama, I made sure to go in with as little knowledge as possible – which was difficult, given the era of media we live in. I can say that this is the best way to watch this film, even better if you avoid the trailer; the less you know, the better.

You are put in both Charlie’s and Emma’s shoes, and Borgli intends for you, the spectator, to be in this relationship

Upon the opening of the film, you are immediately drawn in through beautiful camera work. Arseni Khachaturan’s cinematography feels fresh and new, transporting you into Emma and Charlie’s lives from the beginning. However, the camera also throws you into an intensely raw and voyeuristic viewing experience. Arguably, the opening can be perceived as the most important part of the film, it opens with a sense of uncomfortability whilst, at the same time, meeting the conventions of a rom-com ‘meet-cute’. You are taken off-guard and tested from the beginning, purely through the cinematography which is such a strong element of the film.

As the opening continues, the film’s use of sound becomes incredibly important as you feel a part of their first interaction. You are put in both Charlie’s and Emma’s shoes, and Borgli intends for you, the spectator, to be in this relationship. This sense of involvement is what sets the film off to a secure start, however this it has also resulted in an extremely divided response to the film.

The online reception of Borgli’s film presents a mass divide among viewers, a contrast in reception so wild that The Drama could be described as the marmite of films. It takes you out of your comfort zone and constantly tests you as a person, and you do not get a chance to catch your breath. This film is an incredible example of why cinema is so important. The atmosphere that The Drama creates is remarkable. You truly are experiencing these events as they unfold and not just watching them.

Image: Jaclyn Martinez / A24

Alongside the flawless visuals, the entire cast gives a breathtaking and incredibly immersive performance. Alana Haim, a supporting member of the cast, plays Rachel, and is an unbelievably strong actress, adding an infuriating mix of drama, reality and comedy. As leads, Zendaya and Pattinson give life and an uncomfortable sense of authenticity to their characters. The honesty of the film is disturbing in itself, adding complex layers to Emma and Charlie and then breaking them down, shocking you at every choice they make and what they reveal.

However, as the opening’s voyeuristic nature revealed to us, the events which take place are shown to us through Charlie’s perspective. This is a feature which, whilst adding a sense of uncertainty, intrigue and tension, is arguably frustrating.

It isn’t quite as intense as an action movie, but nonetheless you feel you are in danger, not just physically but also socially

As a viewer, there are moments where you really want to understand Zendaya’s Emma more as a character, but that chance is taken away by the frustrating unreliability of Charlie’s character. Whilst this aspect could be a fault of the film, it may also be a strength, as I believe that if the film were to be seen from Emma’s perspective it would have been a completely different film altogether. Borgli couldn’t have given the same tense and sickeningly uncomfortable atmosphere in cinemas if this had been done any other way.

Whilst it is magnificent that the film evokes such an extreme sense of uncomfortability, it is also a fascinating fault. The film creates a unique experience where you are unable to relax. It isn’t quite as intense as an action movie, but nonetheless you feel you are in danger, not just physically but also socially. You feel targeted.

As the film ends you are left disturbed, questioning everything you have been shown. A film with the ability to do this is something remarkably special and unique. The Drama is a must-see film – will you attend?

★★★★ ½