Zendaya and Pattinson Star in Controversial Anti-Rom Com 'The Drama'

The A24 film flips the romantic comedy genre on its head with a shocking twist that has sparked debate.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:41am

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An abstract close-up image featuring shards of reflective glass and sparkling sequins, captured in high-contrast studio lighting to convey the film's blend of glamour and darkness.The glitz and grit of 'The Drama' expose the complexities of modern relationships.Los Angeles Today

The Drama, the latest film from writer-director Kristoffer Borgli, stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson as an engaged couple whose relationship is upended by a dark revelation from the past. The movie subverts romantic comedy tropes and explores complex societal and personal issues in an unsettling but darkly humorous way.

Why it matters

The Drama has generated controversy for its surprising twist, which some have found upsetting. However, the film's ability to take a familiar genre and turn it on its head in a thought-provoking way speaks to Borgli's skill as a filmmaker and the performances of the talented cast.

The details

The Drama follows Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Pattinson), an engaged couple who must confront Emma's troubling past as they approach their wedding day. The film blends dark comedy and horror elements as the couple and their friends grapple with the implications of Emma's confession. Despite the weighty subject matter, the performances from Zendaya, Pattinson, and the supporting cast, including Mamoudou Athie and Alana Haim, help balance the tone.

  • The Drama premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2026.
  • The film is scheduled for wide theatrical release on April 3, 2026.

The players

Kristoffer Borgli

The writer and director of The Drama, known for his previous film Dream Scenario.

Zendaya

The Emmy-winning actress stars as Emma, one half of the engaged couple at the center of the film.

Robert Pattinson

The acclaimed actor plays Charlie, Emma's fiancé, who must confront a shocking revelation about her past.

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What they’re saying

“The confession is meant to be shocking, and it is. It really is. Emma starts out being blasé about it, and that has angered some, but again, that's the point.”

— Hugh Scott, Critic

“Borgli really pulls a rabbit out of a hat here, and it could easily have been derailed by a much more trite script.”

— Hugh Scott, Critic

What’s next

The Drama is expected to be a major contender during the upcoming awards season, with Zendaya and Pattinson's performances generating significant Oscar buzz.

The takeaway

The Drama's ability to subvert romantic comedy tropes and explore complex societal issues through a personal lens highlights the film's ambition and the skill of its creators. While the twist has been controversial, the movie's thought-provoking approach to the genre makes it a must-see for fans of challenging, genre-bending cinema.