Vintage Knoll and Local Art Decorate the Dream Apartment in 'The Drama'

Production designer Zosia Mackenzie reveals the hidden details that make the on-screen home feel lived-in and true to the characters.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:53pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a rich, velvety fabric in deep burgundy and gold tones, capturing the luxurious yet unsettling atmosphere of the film's setting.The carefully curated apartment in 'The Drama' belies the emotional chaos that unfolds within its walls.Boston Today

In director Kristoffer Borgli's new film 'The Drama', starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, the production team created a seemingly perfect Boston apartment that slowly reveals cracks in the facade of the couple's relationship. Production designer Zosia Mackenzie discusses the process of finding the right location, sourcing vintage furniture and local art, and incorporating subtle design choices to foreshadow the emotional turmoil to come.

Why it matters

The apartment in 'The Drama' serves as a key character in the film, reflecting the outward appearance of stability and success while hinting at the underlying tensions between the couple. Mackenzie's thoughtful approach to the set design provides insight into how the physical environment can shape and reflect the narrative.

The details

After scouting numerous apartments and homes in Boston, the production team landed on a late Victorian rowhouse with high ceilings, a spiral staircase, and abundant natural light - exactly what they had envisioned. Mackenzie then worked to furnish the space, sourcing classic Knoll pieces from local vintage shops and collaborating with Boston-area artists to curate the artwork. The goal was to make the apartment feel true to the character of Charlie, a museum curator with refined tastes, while subtly incorporating Emma's presence through hidden details like her employer's logo on books.

  • In the summer of 2024, director Kristoffer Borgli called Mackenzie to begin work on the film, just weeks before production was set to start.
  • The production team moved to Boston to scout locations and get a feel for the characters' environment.

The players

Kristoffer Borgli

The director of 'The Drama'.

Zosia Mackenzie

The production designer who worked with Borgli to create the apartment set for 'The Drama'.

Arseni Khachturan

The cinematographer who collaborated with Borgli and Mackenzie on the film.

Zendaya

The actress who plays Emma Harwood, the literary editor, in 'The Drama'.

Robert Pattinson

The actor who plays Charlie Thompson, the British museum curator, in 'The Drama'.

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What they’re saying

“It came together very, very quickly. I dropped everything and just got out to Boston.”

— Zosia Mackenzie, Production Designer

“We ended up with exactly what we were envisioning from the beginning.”

— Zosia Mackenzie, Production Designer

“It's put together, but just maybe something is a tiny bit off.”

— Zosia Mackenzie, Production Designer

What’s next

The Drama is set to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2027, where it will likely generate buzz and critical discussion around its themes of deception and the masks we present to the world.

The takeaway

The meticulous attention to detail in the apartment design for The Drama underscores how the physical environment can serve as a reflection of a couple's relationship, hinting at the tensions and unraveling that lies beneath the surface of their seemingly perfect life.