Controversial Dark Comedy 'The Drama' Divides Critics

Zendaya and Robert Pattinson star in A24's latest release, which tackles provocative subject matter and has sparked backlash.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract close-up image featuring shards of shattered glass and glittering sequins, captured in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to create a visually striking and conceptually evocative representation of the divisive film 'The Drama'.The controversial subject matter and uneven tone of 'The Drama' have left audiences and critics divided, with the film's glamorous aesthetic belying its provocative core.Boston Today

The new dark comedy film 'The Drama' has generated significant controversy since its release, with one reviewer calling it 'tasteless' and giving it a rare zero-star rating. The movie, directed by Kristoffer Borgli, stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson as a happily engaged couple whose relationship takes a dramatic turn after a drunken game reveals a shocking secret from the past. While the film has received praise for the chemistry between the lead actors and its caustic humor, critics have questioned the director's ability to handle such sensitive subject matter given his own past personal controversies.

Why it matters

The Drama has become a flashpoint for debates around artistic license, cancel culture, and the responsibility of filmmakers to handle delicate topics with care. The controversy surrounding the film's director and the divisive nature of its central premise have sparked intense discussions about where to draw the line when it comes to provocative storytelling.

The details

In the film, Zendaya and Pattinson play Emma and Charlie, an affluent couple whose relationship is upended when a drunken game of 'What's the worst thing you've ever done?' reveals a shocking secret from Emma's past. This twist, which occurs about 15 minutes into the movie, has been a major point of contention, with one Boston Globe reviewer calling the film 'tasteless' and giving it a rare zero-star rating. Additionally, a 2012 essay by writer-director Kristoffer Borgli, in which he discussed having a relationship with a teenage girl when he was in his 20s, has resurfaced, leading some to question his ability to handle such provocative subject matter.

  • The Drama premiered in theaters on April 1, 2026.
  • The controversial Boston Globe review was published on April 3, 2026, just two days after the film's release.

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 fiancé, in The Drama.

Kristoffer Borgli

The writer and director of The Drama, whose past personal controversies have come under scrutiny.

Boston Globe

A major American newspaper that published a scathing zero-star review of The Drama.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

As the controversy around The Drama continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how audiences and critics will respond to the film's provocative subject matter and the director's own personal history. The movie's future box office performance and potential awards season recognition will be closely watched.

The takeaway

The Drama has become a lightning rod for debates around the boundaries of artistic expression and the responsibility of filmmakers to handle sensitive topics with care. The film's divisive reception highlights the challenges of creating provocative art in an era of heightened scrutiny and social media-fueled outrage.