The Drama is dominating the box office – but fans are split over its 'insane' twist

Warning! Spoilers for The Drama lie ahead. 

If, like me, you spent the bank holiday weekend at the cinema, chances are you may have caught The Drama.

Starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, the film is directed by Kristoffer Borgli (Dream Scenario) and ranked as the third most-watched film over the weekend, pulling in over $14 million behind The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Project Hail Mary.

While many viewers have praised the film for its satirical humour and painfully awkward portrayal of its central couple, others have criticised its dark subject matter, revealed in an early twist, which has sparked debate among those expecting a more traditional romantic comedy.

What is The Drama about?

According to A24, the film follows: "A happily engaged couple is put to the test when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails."

And while this "unexpected turn" is hinted at in the trailer, the reality is far darker than many anticipated. In the movie, viewers are introduced to Charlie and Emma, a young couple who are about to get married. 

© Alamy Stock Photo

During a dinner with friends days before the wedding, the group shares the worst thing they've ever done. When it comes to Emma, she reveals she once planned a school shooting as a teenager, although she never carried it out.

The confession sends shockwaves through the group, and Charlie is forced to grapple with what it means for his future with Emma. What follows is a tense, deeply uncomfortable unravelling of their relationship as they question whether they can move past her secret.

What issues do viewers have with The Drama?

The twist has sharply divided audiences, with some arguing the film's marketing was misleading.

One person penned: "This was arguably the most distasteful movie I have seen and unfortunately I have little respect for everyone involved in its making," while another said: "What stood out most was the lack of any trigger warning or emotional consideration for viewers. That alone feels irresponsible given the subject matter."

© A24

March for Our Lives, a gun violence prevention organisation, also weighed in, penning: "The way this film has been marketed is deeply misaligned with the reality it engages. We expect better from A24 and the artists behind it."

What have viewers praised The Drama for?

However, others commended the provocative nature of the film and pointed out that the thought-provoking plot was the whole point. 

One person wrote: "Some may view it to be controversial and there should be some sort of disclaimer, but it has a lot of underlying themes regarding culture in the U.S, perspective, unconscious biases, influence, reaction and, most important lesson of all, for those who are wanting to get married."

© Alamy Stock Photo

Meanwhile, another said: "I was surprised by the topic and left with many questions and introspective thoughts! Not at all what I was expecting, but somehow it was better??"

A third added: "This was a movie that established a great balance between tragedy and comedy. I really like this style of well-earned humour that helps juxtapose this heavy emotional rollercoaster."

What are critics saying about The Drama?

Despite its controversy with viewers, The Drama has been well received by critics, earning a 75% score on Rotten Tomatoes. 

In its four-star review, The Guardian penned: "It offers us a provocation, a jeu d'ésprit of outrage, a psychological meltdown that is more astutely articulated than in many another more solemnly intended film. And it gives us what it promises in the title."

Meanwhile, The Standard wrote: "It's cringe-inducing and gross-out in places, but artfully shot, interestingly edited and set to some of the freakest flute toots in arthouse cinema."

The Times added: "Director Kristoffer Borgli's wedding from hell dramedy is mordantly entertaining and features one of the most excruciating speeches in movie history."

The Drama is out in cinemas now.