04/04/26

Cineworld, Edinburgh

Charlie (Robert Pattinson) and Emma (Zendaya) are a successful young couple based in Boston. The story begins with a flashback to their first meeting – an endearingly bumbling meet-cute in a coffee shop – but they have been together for two years now. They share a nice apartment, are both in secure jobs and clearly love each other deeply. So naturally they decide that it’s time to officially tie the knot. Like so many couples before them, they set all the wheels in motion: classes with a choreographer for that all-important first dance, test photographs to make sure they actually know how to smile convincingly, sample menus just to ensure that every bite on the big day will be perfect… and wine of course. Don’t forget the wine!

But things take an unexpected turn when, a few days before the wedding, they get drunk with their close friends, Mike (Mamoudou Athie), who is Charlie’s choice for Best Man, and Rachel (Alana Haim), who Emma has chosen as her Maid of Honour. Playing an impromptu game of ‘what’s the worst thing you’ve even done?’ Emma shares something that happened to her when she was just fifteen years old – something so shocking that it casts an immediate pall over the proceedings and starts Charlie wondering if he really does want to spend the rest of his life with this woman.

From this point, the whole enterprise begins to spin dangerously out of control and everything the couple does to try to limit the potential damage only makes it so much worse…

The Drama is aptly titled (how does production company A24 manage to unearth so many great projects?) because it focuses on the performative nature of the wedding experience and, no matter how many unexpected twists are thrown into the mix, this deliciously dark comedy never flags. Both Pattinson and Zendaya are great in the lead roles but the supporting cast also shine in their respective cameos, particularly Haim, who is transformed by Emma’s confession into a sneering, vengeful version of her former self. There are some truly toe-curdling moments that actually have me wincing and offering silent thanks that my own wedding had none of the hurdles depicted here. The groom’s speech actually has me wanting to hide behind my seat.

Written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli, The Drama utilises a wonderfully fragmentary approach, cutting back and forth across Emma’s backstory, where she’s played by Jordyn Curet. That dark revelation has polarised audiences in the USA, where one newspaper has already awarded it a ‘no stars’ review – but to my mind, the way Emma’s childhood is revealed makes me totally understand what happened to make her act as she did. Also, I don’t believe in thought crime but I do believe in second chances.

We are also offered glimpses of Charlie’s dreams, and his dark imaginings as he contemplates what the future might hold for him. This is a smart, ingenious, low-budget film that delivers in just about every respect and, whatever else you think of it, I’m pretty sure you won’t be bored.

4. 4 stars

Philip Caveney