Trailers of today tend to give out too much information about the plots of upcoming film releases. However, recently the world of easily identifiable film conflicts was tested, as is the case of the new A24 film, “The Drama,” directed by Kristoffer Borgli.

All potential spectators got to know about this film was that it followed a young couple who are about to get married. However, the film is shrouded in mystery. The trailer and marketing only alluded to some sort of drama, as the title suggests, that flips their seemingly perfect life upside down.

The film, though cryptic in its advertisement, exceeded expectations as the heavily teased plot twist pays off wonderfully to create an engaging, and uneasy, movie that begs for asking questions while maintaining accessible to all. To maximize the potential viewing experience, no information about the plot will be revealed in this review.

One of the biggest appeals for a viewer to see this film is the cast. Zendaya and Robert Pattinson play the young couple Emma and Charlie, two icons of the younger generations that have turned their childhood careers into working in some of the best films of recent years. These two are incredibly believable in their roles, as their chemistry is evident, and they seem incredibly immersed in the world of the film.

The film also stars Alana Haim and Mamoudou Athie, who play another couple who are close friends of Emma and Charlie. These characters add both essential comedy and stakes to the film. Every relationship in the film grows to be more complex as the narrative continues, but the entirety of the cast handles the difficulty with absolute grace and maintains the rapport among their costars.

The writing of the film is incredibly clever, with humor interestingly intertwined with the distress of the characters. Though the two quite literally juxtapose, funny moments are essential to a plot this intense to add to the watchability. Though moments of cringe, embarrassment, and miscommunication make up a large part of the plot, it still doesn’t take away from a viewer’s comprehension of the film’s contents.

The film’s mix of absurdity and realism makes for an incredibly entertaining film, with constant developments in the story causing emotional whiplash (in the best possible way). The film also seems eerily mundane, which contrasts nicely with the heightened nature of the conflict.

It is highly recommended that you go into this movie blind. Dodge as many spoilers as you can to make for a shocking screening experience. However, due to the intensity of some subject matter, trigger warnings may be necessary. Viewer discretion is advised.

Overall, “The Drama” is an incredibly enticing watch that flies by. One can’t help but be invested in the story, as the narrative continues to unveil another layer of complexity as the drama unfolds. Though it could be hard for some viewers, the uncomfortable nature of the content pays off to create a memorable viewing experience that could mark it as one of the best of 2026.

“The Drama” is now playing in theaters.