The audience verdict is in for Zendaya and Robert Pattinson’s new chaotic movie, The Drama.
After A24 dropped the first trailer for The Drama, audiences kept guessing what Emma’s (Zendaya) deep, dark secret could be that would jeopardize her wedding with Charlie (Robert Pattinson) and tarnish her friendship with Rachel (Alana Haim). The wait is finally over, as moviegoers congregate in the theaters to learn the chilling truth.
The Drama earned a solid 76% score on Rotten Tomatoes, but audiences are even more receptive to the new A24 movie. As of writing, it has an impressive 82% audience score, alongside a B on CinemaScore. Once the twist is unraveled in the movie’s first act, the rest of the story delivers a tense, cringeworthy drama that threatens the romantic peace in Emma and Charlie’s relationship.
Much of that is carried by Pattinson and Zendaya’s performance, showcasing the uncomfortable and unsettling dynamic. Charlie tries to understand and accept Emma’s worst secret, but it only gets complicated as their big day nears. In addition, the movie is praised for being a bold and provocative think piece, assessing how each character attempts to process the reveal. Even by the end of The Drama, the whirlwind and heartbreak leave viewers wondering the state of the couple’s relationship.
Since its release, the new A24 movie has evoked strong reactions online, as moviegoers analyze the actions and reactions of the characters and debate whether their intense emotions were warranted. The social commentary has sparked conflicting thoughts, with many coming to the defense of Zendaya’s character, while supporting players like Rachel have been called out for hypocrisy.
Although most reviews of The Drama have been positive, the central twist about Emma’s secret has become controversial and has drawn polarizing responses. Some viewers felt that the movie failed to discuss the serious nature of the big reveal, especially given how prevalent the topic is in today’s society.
Nevertheless, the buildup to the big reveal is working in A24’s favor, as The Drama has already been performing very well at the box office despite the competition from The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The film has already collected $28 million globally, which is the third-biggest opening for the studio. The film itself had a budget of $28 million.
The Drama is just the beginning of a major collaboration between Pattinson and Zendaya, as they will appear in three back-to-back movies in 2026. The other films include Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey in July and Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Three in December, where Pattinson joins as the antagonist.
The Drama is now playing in theaters.
Release Date
April 3, 2026
Runtime
105 minutes
Director
Kristoffer Borgli
Writers
Kristoffer Borgli
Producers
Ari Aster, Lars Knudsen, Tyler Campellone