'The Drama' traps Robert Pattinson and Zendaya in tasteless provocation

The Boston Globe • March 31, 2026 • entertainment

Key Points:

"The Drama," directed by Kristoffer Borgli and starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, reveals a major plot point within the first 20 minutes, which the studio has kept under wraps to avoid deterring viewers, especially those who might find it triggering.
The film is criticized for handling its sensitive subject matter in a distasteful, insensitive, and jokey manner, leading the reviewer to assign it zero stars, a rare and severe rating reserved for morally repugnant films with no redeeming value.
Zendaya’s character, Emma, lacks depth and agency, portrayed more as a gimmick than a fully realized person, while the film’s attempt at satire is seen as provocative without meaningful engagement, failing to provide a thoughtful critique of its themes.
The reviewer condemns the film’s comedic treatment of troubling flashbacks and scenes, including offensive humor about disability, and finds the climax—a wedding that should never have happened—unbelievable and unrelatable.
Overall, "The Drama" is viewed as a missed opportunity to create a compelling movie, with the director opting for shock value over substance, leaving audiences questioning the purpose behind the film’s provocative secret.

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