Even before its release, The Drama — starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson — has been dominating headlines. Despite efforts to keep the plot tightly under wraps, with only a handful of limited screenings, details of The Drama's controversial storyline quickly leaked, fuelling even more intrigue.
No spoilers here, but the film centres on a soon-to-be-married couple who decide to reveal their darkest secrets during a parlour game on the eve of their wedding. The problem? Emma’s confession is far more explosive than Charlie’s. What begins as pre-wedding nerves quickly spirals into something much darker, as trust erodes and the couple’s relationship begins to fracture under the weight of what’s been revealed.
Now that the film is finally out, reviews are rolling in, and they’re just as intense as the premise. Can The Drama live up to the combined star power (and cinematic track records) of Zendaya and R-Patz? And is the controversy actually justified, or just clever hype?
Here’s everything critics are saying about 2026’s most talked-about new release, including whether it’s worth adding The Drama to your watchlist.
What do critics think of The Drama?
“Viewers will decide for themselves whether the backlash is justified, but the film's risk-taking is a thrill, and it's beautifully made,” shared a BBC reviewer. “The Drama devotes more of its energies to awkward cringe comedy than to the reality of the characters and their feelings. It's ultimately a series of toe-curling, albeit hilarious sketches rather than a wholly convincing narrative, so it's more superficial than its traumatic scenario deserves.”
However, the reviewer goes on to suggest that the film may still spark meaningful conversations among viewers, which, arguably, is the mark of a truly great film: “It's hard to believe that Emma and Charlie would confine themselves to a few faltering chats about her confession, instead of having a proper conversation about it. Still, most people who see The Drama will end up having in-depth debates, even if the characters themselves don't manage it.”
“If you like laughing at things we’re not supposed to joke about, I’ve got good news," wrote a reviewer for WBUR. "The Drama is an audaciously uncomfortable affair, working the audience’s nerves and pushing touchy buttons with diabolical delight.”
“Led by Robert Pattinson and Zendaya, and directed by Kristoffer Borgli, The Drama leans into the kind of dark, discomforting humour that audiences love,” wrote Rotten Tomatoes. “Equal parts hilarious and haunting, the film invites nervous laughter as often as it does discomfort, leaving viewers debating its meaning long after the credits roll.”
Metro urged audiences to seek it out, writing: “The Drama is daring, intelligent and expertly judged in its unexpected and taboo-breaking approach to a heavy and highly sensitive topic. If you don’t watch it, you’re missing out.”
And what about that plot twist? Tasteless, provocative, or perhaps both?
“The choice of Emma’s secret ultimately works," explains Screen Rant. "The goal is not merely to trigger and manipulate our preconceptions, but to push past them; to consider the human underneath a label we’ve become all too familiar with.”
Alana Haim's performance as the maid-of-honour was also praised by reviewers, and we have no doubt her Haim sisters will be supporting her performance.
Of course, no film escapes criticism. For The Drama, much of it centres on the balance between humour and darkness, as Awards Radar noted: “The Drama isn’t quite serious enough or silly enough to overcome the lack of momentum once the big reveal happens.”
Some critics also felt the film was somewhat incomplete, lacking a sense of resolution for viewers: “The Drama certainly won’t be for everybody, and it might also frustrate those who want resolution," said Digital Spy. "There’s not an easy answer to be found to the central issue that’s raised here.”
So, is The Drama actually any good?
Overall, the positives seem to outweigh the negatives in critics’ responses, with many highlighting Robert Pattinson as a standout. His performance, in particular, is being praised for its offbeat charm, think a slightly bumbling, Hugh Grant-esque twist on his Edward Cullen persona. Honestly, who could resist that?
While the plot doesn’t shy away from controversy, that’s arguably the point. Films like The Drama are meant to push boundaries and spark uncomfortable conversations. So, if nothing else, it’s worth watching for yourself and deciding where you land.
The Drama is scheduled for release in UK cinemas on April 3, 2026.
