A title that speaks for itself. There is a level of melancholy that is disturbing enough to speak to a wide range of audiences. There are moments where a variety of strange topics reach audacity. The ultimate turmoil, however, is the relationship clashing. It is purely dramatic. Written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli, this is The Drama. After directing a film in which one man is showing up in anyone’s dreams in Dream Scenario, this time he creates dreams that become a negative reality. In The Drama, barriers and boundaries get crossed, and inappropriate gestures swirl. The primary setting for this entertaining disaster is a wedding.

The film’s main couple are Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Robert Pattinson). Their wedding weekend is upon them and slowly disasters begin to arise, many of which come from social components. Emma starts talking about evil fascinations as a child as well as breaking up friendships based on loyalty and disgust. The couple’s friends are Rachel (Alana Haim) and Mike (Mamoudou Athie). They begin to see the red flags, but the red flag scenario is just a fantasy. One that gets uglier every step of the way. 

Borgli’s direction of this dark comedy is created to showcase deceit yet be spellbinding and funny. It is quirky, but also silly in fragments. The daring chemistry between the characters solidifies the moving parts of the invigorating disasters in The Drama. The context behind the disasters makes the movie even more captivating, especially since it keeps audiences wondering if Emma and Charlie or happy or not. In addition, what is truly going on with their past and their careers? Ultimately, who is the bigger person with fewer red flags? Are many of them simply created?

One question from the film that kept spinning in my mind was, “What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?” That question turns the ignition at the wedding that veers into a hard place to return from. Then there is a scene where Emma tells everyone around her, “I planned to bring a weapon to school.” That backstory brings out vivid and vindictive chemistry surrounding The Drama and makes the film even more dramatic. There is plenty of context behind what is going wrong and the negative elements negativity spiral in various directions. Charlie’s nervousness escalates until he finds himself at a boiling point. Bridges are burned like crazy in The Drama thanks to the vivid and enduring direction of the film.

With everything going on in the story, it gives viewers the feeling of a burning sensation, The Drama is a portrait of sadness and depression, both of which result in bipolar motion that progresses throughout the film. There is lots of hatred, resentment, and evil fantasy moments. It is filled with turmoil as part of a tragic competition. There is a boxing match of egos between Zendaya and Pattinson that continues to rumble. The movie is stressful and enticing, but also cinematically engaging. It is a clever, yet satirical watch. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for The Drama.