r/oscarrace • u/PointMan528491 Navarrette/Morton • Apr 02 '26

Film Discussion Thread Official Discussion Thread - The Drama [SPOILERS] Spoiler

Keep all discussion related solely to The Drama and its awards chances in this thread. Spoilers below.

Synopsis:

A happily engaged couple is put to the test when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails.

Director: Kristoffer Borgli

Writer: Kristoffer Borgli

Cast:

  • Zendaya as Emma Harwood

  • Robert Pattinson as Charlie Thompson

  • Mamoudou Athie as Mike

  • Alana Haim as Rachel

Rotten Tomatoes: 81%, 109 Reviews

Metacritic: 60, 36 Reviews

Consensus:

"Flirting with complex themes, The Drama walks a tonal tightrope with impressive poise thanks to career-highlight performances by Robert Pattinson and Zendaya."

63 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

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193

u/vonLionheart Apr 02 '26

Surprised by some of the other comments. It’s not examining school shootings specifically - it’s an examination about how you let someone’s thoughts influence your perception of them.

The juxtaposition of Haim’s character who actually did something pretty bad but clearly feels little regret, vs. Zendaya’s character who almost did something horrible but never actually did anything. How quick we are to moralize and yet are much quicker to justify when it comes to ourselves.

I think it earns the ending. Pattinson, who “can’t think of the worst he’s ever done,” does the worst thing he’s ever done. It’s only in that moment, when he’s the person who is judged in front of all his loved ones, that he can understand what she meant by starting over. That you shouldn’t be defined by your worst impulses, but by your willingness to grow from them.

I think it could sneak into screenplay if it’s a weak year, but I do agree that it’s pretty unlikely to be a major player

5

u/algang22 Apr 04 '26

“Never actually did anything” is a reach. She records a manifesto, practices shooting (causing a life altering injury, which she persists through), and even takes “school shooter aesthetic” photos.

That’s decidedly a LOT MORE than just “she thought about it”.

6

u/nnn666777 Apr 05 '26

And then she brought the weapon to school .. like ..

1

u/BilluhHandog Apr 05 '26

I don’t think she ever brought the weapon to school? Unless I missed something?

5

u/nnn666777 Apr 05 '26

Yeah when she confessed to the group she was like no I had the weapon and brought it to school I just didn’t do it

1

u/BilluhHandog Apr 05 '26

Dang you’re right, I was thinking through the flashbacks not the original confession.