The Drama – it’s a “blah” title for an intriguing movie.
Half-expecting a romantic comedy geared as just another “chick flick,” probability was, fortunately, crushed.
It was a first seeing an extreme close-up of an ear as the opening shot.
Ah, but how well that introduction bewildered, yet played a significant role in the unravelling of this unusual story.
Somewhat likened to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), The Drama is about an unravelling relationship tested when an explosive, dark secret of the past is revealed in the week before their wedding.
It is comfortable viewing with a discomforting viewing experience.
It’s difficult to watch a lovingly anticipated wedding fall apart due to innuendo.
Simultaneously, it’s impossible to look away, pretend that something is nothing.
This is an exploration of how messy people can behave because it’s never easy understanding who a person really is.
Stories, anecdotes spoken of are readily exposed in recreated flashbacks.
For some, this structure can lead to confusion, misunderstanding, and a willingness to “give up” before any big reveal.
Bringing to light these desires and misdemeanours of the past manage to eventually fit together fragmented pieces of life’s puzzle.
Stick with the complicated presentation because ample reward follows.
Viewers are led to believe that Charlie Thompson (Robert Pattinson who’s come a long way from just posing for the camera in the Twilight saga) may be writing a novel or short story when in fact he’s composing a speech to be delivered to his newlywed wife Emma Harwood (Zendaya who co-starred in the Dune franchise).
There’s far too much talk, talk, talk with little compelling movement or action.
Sort of like sitting through an aimless, poorly written stage play.
Get through this muddled first act and, suddenly, it’s as if the screenwriter wakes up and writes sequences that drive/impel viewers to want to know more.
We become involved and care about the characters.
Rachel (Alana Haim) and married to Mike (Mamoudou Athie) is asked to be Emma’s maid of honour.
She gets the ball rolling, so to speak, when she accuses Emma’s lack of empathy for her wheelchair-bound cousin, a result of anecdote-sharing of “stupid things we did in our past.”
Emma as a 14-year-old planned a school shooting for no other reason than she wanted to make history as the first female school shooter in the USA.
Though Emma never went through with it…big question… suspicion hangs like a dark shroud over everyone.
Wedding photographer (Hailey Gates) unknowingly contributes to smouldering embers of “did she or didn’t she” when setting up mock photos using the words “shoot” and “shot.”
As well, she’s played a part in Charlie’s secret past.
When the wedding of Charlie and Emma happens, Master of Ceremonies Mike is unintentionally awkward.
Maid of honour Rachel, who cancelled with a late night phone call, then changed her mind, glowers during the reception.
The bride’s dad delivers an unsettling speech and Charlie’s past indiscretion catches up with him.
The final scene may baffle some, but when given thought, it’s not only plausible, it confirms a reset of feelings, plans and starting over again.
Movie: The Drama
Duration: 105 mins
Director: Kristoffer Borgli
Starring: Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Alana Haim, Hailey Gates, Zoe Winters, Mamoudou Athie
Rating: ****
Reviewed by Lawrenty
