Zendaya and Pattinson Court Controversy in A24’s ‘The Drama’
While family audiences flock to “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” this weekend, adult viewers have a sharply different option waiting in theaters. “The Drama,” the latest R-rated feature from A24, pairs two of Hollywood’s most sought-after leads, Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, with Norwegian provocateur Kristoffer Borgli. The film arrives Friday with a box office projection targeting a $15 million three-day opening, positioning itself as the counter-programming choice for audiences seeking something darker than standard blockbuster fare.
Borgli, who previously directed Nicolas Cage in the 2023 hit “Dream Scenario,” returns with a relationship story set in the days leading up to a wedding. The plot follows a couple whose bond fractures when one partner uncovers unsettling truths about the other. Early indications suggest this is not a conventional romance. Reviews describe the film as a project that takes no prisoners, aligning with Borgli’s reputation for uncomfortable, high-concept storytelling rather than safe crowd-pleasing.
Critical Reception Shows a Split Verdict
The critical response indicates a film that demands patience and a strong stomach. Aggregator scores show a divergence between approval ratings and weighted averages. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an 85% approval rating based on 39 reviews, suggesting a majority of critics recommend it. However, the Metacritic score sits at 64 out of 100, signaling that while the film is generally liked, it may not be universally loved by the critical establishment.
Positive reviews highlight the film’s boldness. Owen Gleiberman of Variety called Borgli an original, likening the work to a mix of Dogme 95 and “Wedding Crashers.” Linda Marric of HeyUGuys noted the film has “real teeth,” refusing to let the audience off the hook. Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent described it as a rom-com that obliterates the meaning of the word, tearing laughter from the audience by force. Brian Truitt of USA Today added that the film asks major thematic questions while tearing apart genre conventions.
However, not every critic was convinced. Robert Daniels of RogerEbert.com questioned the film’s right to persecute apathetic characters when it barely understands them. Richard Lawson of The Hollywood Reporter called it a handsomely made letdown, arguing the kicky logline lacks structural support. David Ehrlich of Indiewire noted the film is thinner than Borgli’s previous work, though he praised its sharp detailing of a relationship’s freefall.
What to Expect Before You Buy a Ticket
- Is this a date movie? Proceed with caution. Reviews describe it as a thorny exploration of destruction and stability rather than a experience-good night out.
- How does it compare to “Dream Scenario”? Critics say it is in line with Borgli’s prior work, meaning it prioritizes provocation over comfort.
- Who is this for? Fans of psychological dramas and A24’s catalog of risky, auteur-driven projects will find the most value here.
“The Drama” opens nationwide this Friday. With a projected $15 million opening weekend, the film aims to carve out a significant niche despite the heavy competition from family-friendly franchises. For viewers ready to engage with a relationship story that refuses to offer straightforward answers or genuine relationship advice, this weekend offers a rare chance to observe two major stars tackle material that challenges the exceptionally genre they inhabit.
Are you planning to see “The Drama” this weekend, or will you save your ticket money for the Mario sequel?
