Zendaya & Robert Pattinson’s A24 Drama 'The Drama' Sparks Divisive but Discussed Reviews Ahead of April Release

A24’s buzzy new drama *The Drama*—directed by Norwegian filmmaker Kristoffer Borgli (*Dream Scenario*) and starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson as a seemingly blissful couple whose wedding week unravels in shocking fashion—has arrived with early reviews that are as divisive as they are conversation-provoking. While critics are split on the film’s tonal audacity and narrative risks, nearly all agree on one point: the chemistry and performances of its two leads are electric, with several reviewers calling them career-best. Set for a theatrical release on April 3, *The Drama* is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about films of the spring, not just for its provocative premise, but for its willingness to push boundaries in an era where audiences and critics alike are increasingly hungry for bold, uncompromising cinema.

What Critics Are Saying About A24’s The Drama: Praise, Criticism, and the Twist That Divides

The Rotten Tomatoes Score and General Reception

As of the latest aggregation, *The Drama* holds an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on early reviews, a score that reflects a consensus focused more on the film’s bold execution than its accessibility. Critics at publications ranging from *Deadline* to *The Guardian* have hailed the movie as a darkly comedic masterclass in tension and tonal whiplash, while others have dismissed it as a self-indulgent mess designed to provoke rather than entertain. The divide underscores a broader tension in modern film criticism: whether art should challenge audiences or cater to them.

“The Drama is a darkly funny, yet explosively honest movie that may not be what you expect at all going in, but one that is bound to spark spirited conversation when you are walking out.”

That assessment comes from *Deadline*’s Pete Hammond, whose review helped set the tone for much of the early discourse. Hammond wasn’t alone in singling out Pattinson’s performance as a career-defining turn. “Pattinson’s turn is nothing short of a career-best performance,” he wrote, describing the actor’s portrayal of Charlie—a man whose life spirals during a wedding weekend—as a masterclass in manic, unraveling intensity.

The Polarizing Plot Twist and Audience Alienation

At the heart of *The Drama* lies a narrative twist so unexpected that it has already become the subject of heated debate. The film follows Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Pattinson), a couple days away from their dream wedding, whose relationship is thrown into chaos when Emma reveals a secret that shatters Charlie’s world. Critics at Canada’s *CBC* described the twist as “imperfect, controversial, and fascinating,” noting that the film’s willingness to court discomfort could alienate mainstream audiences even as it fascinates cinephiles. “There’s a near-endless level of discourse just waiting to be had,” the *CBC* review noted, “but it also risks leaving viewers feeling more alienated than enlightened.”

“Pattinson and Zendaya’s morose, squirm-inducing, watch-through-your-fingers-style comedy stands a greater chance of alienating mainstream audiences than enraging them.”

Not all critics were turned off by the film’s audacity. *The Guardian* praised *The Drama* as a triumph of provocative filmmaking, comparing it favorably to Borgli’s *Dream Scenario* and calling it “a psychological meltdown that is more astutely articulated than in many another more solemnly intended film.” The reviewer praised the film’s “spiky, ingenious, tasteless style,” arguing that its willingness to court discomfort is what makes it art.

Zendaya’s Quiet Power and Pattinson’s Manic Intensity

While Pattinson’s performance has received the most attention, critics have also singled out Zendaya for delivering a nuanced, emotionally layered portrayal. *USA Today* described her work as “quietly powerful,” noting her ability to convey the devastation of a relationship unraveling amid wedding plans gone catastrophically wrong. Meanwhile, *Mashable* labeled the film a “cringe comedy,” acknowledging its tonal instability but praising its willingness to embrace awkwardness as a narrative tool.

Zendaya’s character, Emma, is portrayed as both victim and instigator—her secret revelation forces Charlie to confront the fragility of their relationship, but her delivery is calibrated to provoke as much pity as judgment. The Australian’s review, one of the few outright pans, called the film a “repulsive, one-star mess,” arguing that its tonal shifts were so jarring they undermined any potential emotional payoff.

Director Kristoffer Borgli and the Rise of Dark, Provocative Comedy in Modern Cinema

Kristoffer Borgli has emerged in recent years as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary cinema, specializing in films that blend dark humor, social satire, and psychological unease. *The Drama* marks his third collaboration with A24—a partnership that has allowed him to push boundaries in ways mainstream studios rarely would. His previous film, *Dream Scenario*, became a cult sensation for its absurdist take on fame and mental health, earning him comparisons to satirists like Yorgos Lanthimos and Quentin Dupieux.

A24’s Signature Style and Audience Expectations

A24 has built its reputation on releasing films that defy convention, from *Hereditary*’s horror to *Everything Everywhere All at Once*’s genre-blending epic. *The Drama* fits squarely within that tradition: a film that refuses to coddle its audience, instead daring them to sit with discomfort, ambiguity, and moral complexity. The studio’s willingness to greenlight such projects reflects a broader shift in audience tastes—one that values artistic risk over broad appeal. As *Empire Magazine* noted in its four-star review, *The Drama* “bends towards the same arch cringe comedy that Borgli has proved to be a specialist in,” drawing parallels to his earlier work *Sick of Myself*, a dark dramedy about a woman who fakes terminal illness to sabotage her partner’s success.

“It bends towards the same arch cringe comedy that he explored in his fantastic second feature *Sick of Myself*, an equally dark dramedy about a woman so jealous of her partner’s successes she obsessively and loudly fakes a severe illness.”

Borgli’s films often walk a fine line between satire and self-indulgence, but *The Drama* seems to have found a balance that resonates with critics who value boldness over comfort. His ability to blend humor with existential dread has made him a favorite among cinephiles, even as his films occasionally frustrate more conventional viewers.

Why ‘The Drama’ Is Already a Cultural Talking Point Before Its Wide Release

Even before its theatrical debut, *The Drama* has become a cultural lightning rod—a film that audiences and critics alike seem unable to ignore. *The Independent* went so far as to call it “the most uncomfortable film of the year,” arguing that its power lies not in its entertainment value but in its ability to provoke introspection. “The Drama asks questions I’m not sure I have the answer to,” the review stated. “And that makes me uncomfortable. It makes me feel exposed and challenged. It also makes me want to talk about it with every person I meet. And if that’s not the point of art, then what is?”

This kind of discourse is precisely what A24 and Borgli seem to be aiming for. In an era where streaming algorithms prioritize passive consumption, *The Drama* represents a defiant return to the kind of cinema that demands engagement—both emotional and intellectual. The film’s divisiveness is not a bug; it’s a feature. It forces audiences to confront not just the story on screen, but their own reactions to it. Whether that results in lasting impact or fleeting controversy remains to be seen, but the early signs suggest *The Drama* will be remembered as much for its reception as for its content.

Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know About The Drama Before Opening Night

• The Drama, an A24 film directed by Kristoffer Borgli and starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, has earned an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising the leads’ performances but debating the film’s divisive tone.
• The plot centers on a couple whose wedding week is derailed by a shocking secret, sparking intense debates about the film’s narrative choices and tonal shifts.
• Critics are split: some call it a masterclass in dark comedy and psychological tension, while others dismiss it as a self-indulgent, alienating mess.
• Zendaya’s understated yet powerful performance and Pattinson’s manic, career-best turn have drawn widespread acclaim, even from detractors of the film itself.
• The Drama arrives in theaters on April 3, positioning itself as a must-see for fans of provocative, boundary-pushing cinema.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Drama