Review | The Drama

That was a stressful 105 minutes.

The Drama will reveal more about yourself than the characters on screen – which is most likely the intention. To that end, if you were looking to find out the answer to that big reveal you will not find it here. You should experience that yourself when you watch the film for the first time. It's worth it – and perhaps a healthy discussion afterward.

All the mystery in the marketing may lead you to believe that the "worst thing you've ever done" reveal is truly earth-shattering. Perhaps to some, it will be. But while surprising, it's not about shock and awe. You might find yourself temporarily disappointed if you go in with that mindset. It's grounded. It's real. And it's fascinating to watch everything go south because of it.

Zendaya and Robert Pattinson's performances as Emma Harwood and Charlie Thompson are individually expertly nuanced as expected. Their chemistry on screen is playfully twisted to start and then painfully awkward later in all the best ways. Through it all, their love for one another is put to the test in this warped romantic comedy of sorts.

Alana Haim's portrayal as Rachel is a real standout playing a character that is hard to tolerate or forget. As suggested in the film's trailer, Rachel's turn against Emma is harsh, vile and downright ugly. Mamoudou Athie as Mike does his best to keep the peace, making him the most comforting, neutral and affable character throughout the film.

It's the humanity behind The Drama that stays with you. Human beings do the most unexpected things when they are feeling frightened, betrayed, tormented or in overwhelming crisis. It's when you're pushed passed the limit of what you thought you could handle that you find yourself needing to hit pause, take a breath and ask the question...

"Do you want to start over?"

When you ask this of your people – those that are truly in your corner in sickness and in health – their saying "yes" is not to forget what has transpired, but instead accepting you at your worst and beginning anew despite it.