First Reactions to Zendaya and Robert Pattinson's 'Twisted' Thriller 'The Drama' Are In

The dark comedy/romantic thriller from A24 is generating buzz ahead of its release.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:55am

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Early screenings of the A24 film 'The Drama', starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, have sparked a flurry of positive first reactions on social media. Critics are praising the film's dark humor, the chemistry between the lead actors, and the thought-provoking nature of the story, which centers around a betrothed couple whose relationship is rocked by the unveiling of some unsettling truths about the past.

Why it matters

Zendaya and Robert Pattinson have developed a strong on-screen partnership, with three films featuring the two actors set for release in 2026. 'The Drama' is the first of these collaborations to be screened, and the early buzz suggests it could be a standout in the duo's filmography, blending elements of dark comedy, romance, and psychological thriller in an unconventional way.

The details

Directed by Kristoffer Borgli, 'The Drama' follows the story of Emma and Charlie, a betrothed couple whose relationship is upended when some unsettling revelations about their past come to light. Critics have praised Borgli's deft handling of the film's tonal balance, with the movie said to successfully navigate both dark humor and discomfort. Zendaya and Pattinson's performances have also been singled out, with the former's 'natural ambiguity' and the latter's 'deliciously overstimulated' work earning strong reviews.

  • The Drama is set to be released in theaters on Friday, April 3, 2026.

The players

Zendaya

An American actress and singer who stars as Emma in The Drama.

Robert Pattinson

A British actor who stars as Charlie, Emma's betrothed, in The Drama.

Kristoffer Borgli

The Norwegian writer and director of The Drama, his first feature film since 2023's Dream Scenario.

Ari Aster

The American filmmaker who produced The Drama through his production company.

A24

The independent film production and distribution company that is releasing The Drama.

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What’s next

The Drama is set to be released in theaters on Friday, April 3, 2026, giving audiences their first chance to see the highly anticipated collaboration between Zendaya and Robert Pattinson.

The takeaway

The early reactions to The Drama suggest Kristoffer Borgli has crafted a unique, genre-blending film that challenges expectations and showcases the strong on-screen chemistry between its two lead actors. The film's ability to balance dark comedy, romance, and psychological tension has critics intrigued, setting the stage for what could be a thought-provoking and conversation-starting theatrical experience.