Robert Pattinson Shines in Kristoffer Borgli's Absurdist Film 'The Drama'
An Engaging Performance by Pattinson
Robert Pattinson has consistently thrived under the guidance of directors outside the traditional Hollywood framework. Visionaries like David Cronenberg, Claire Denis, and Bong Joon-ho have effectively harnessed his unique blend of nervous energy and unpredictability. In the captivating film The Drama, directed by Norwegian filmmaker Kristoffer Borgli, Pattinson delivers an exceptional performance.
In this narrative, Pattinson portrays Charlie, a museum curator in Boston whose impending marriage to bookstore worker Emma (played by Zendaya) is on the brink of collapse. During a misguided, alcohol-fueled evening of confessions with friends Mike (Mamoudou Athie) and Rachel (Alana Haim), Emma reveals a shocking secret.
With the wedding just days away, every associated ritual—such as photo sessions and speech preparations—is overshadowed by Emma's unsettling admission. Charlie grapples with the unsettling thought that he may not truly know the woman he is about to marry.
A surreal nightmare featuring a bloodied ear in the grass evokes the dreamlike style of David Lynch. However, Borgli's screenplay leans more towards the absurdist humor found in Scandinavian films, reminiscent of Thomas Vinterberg’s Festen (1998), where family gatherings often expose the darker sides of their participants.
The Drama adopts a Dogme-inspired aesthetic, prioritizing writing and performances over technical flair. Cinematographer Arseni Khachaturan focuses closely on the characters, capturing their expressions in unembellished natural light. The editing, crafted by Borgli and Joshua Raymond Lee, reflects the anxious, shaky paths of the protagonists.
For much of its 105-minute duration, The Drama maintains a precarious tension. While Emma's secret is significant, it soon becomes secondary, serving as a catalyst for Pattinson and Zendaya to showcase their remarkable chemistry through spirited exchanges.
The dynamic duo excels in their roles, with their growing distrust highlighting the complexities of honesty in relationships, especially when clarity is lacking. Zendaya impresses as the enigmatic Emma, while Pattinson commands attention in their shared scenes and interactions with other characters seeking guidance.
Alana Haim, known for her role in Licorice Pizza, delivers a standout performance as the outraged Rachel. The film features several memorable cameos, with even minor roles making a significant impact.
Borgli’s unconventional romantic comedy shakes things up without completely breaking the mold, offering a mix of hilariously awkward moments and tender scenes of a couple uncertain about their future as they approach the altar. Beneath its rough exterior lies a genuinely heartfelt core.