The Drama Parent Guide

Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Robert Pattinson) are just days away from getting married. Between dance lessons, speech writing, and all the last-minute tasks, everything seems to be falling into place. One night, however, while wine tasting with their best friends, Rachel and Mike (Alana Haim and Mamoudou Athie), they decide to play a game: each person must share the worst thing they’ve ever done. They’ve all made some horrible mistakes, but when it’s Emma’s turn, her revelation leaves the entire table stunned. Suddenly, Charlie is questioning how well he really knows her, while Emma would rather move on and leave the past behind. Complicating matters is Rachel, who is particularly affected by Emma’s confession, and is determined to make her feelings known. As the wedding approaches, Emma and Charlie must navigate this new tension and decide whether they know each other well enough to make it down the aisle.

In order to properly share my thoughts on this film, vague spoilers are ahead.

The Drama is a romantic dramedy featuring incredible performances and some sharp social commentary. While it definitely won’t be for everyone, it’s a great fit for viewers who enjoy dark humour and stunning film making – and are willing to sit through 100-plus profanities. Viewers also need to be able to navigate a very heavy theme about gun violence. Despite its intensity, the issue is handled in a way that does not glamorize it but instead invites the audience to sit with uncomfortable questions about how we engage with it.

The film also thoughtfully explores moral superiority in today’s culture, and our tendency to judge certain issues and certain people through a lens we’re unwilling to apply to ourselves. That said, I can see some viewers leaving the theatre confused about the choice to frame such a heavy topic within a comedic space, especially given the involvement of two beloved actors. Because of this, the film is likely to be divisive, with audiences forming strong opinions about the characters and their moral perspectives, as well as the film’s premise.

Unlike most wedding films, The Drama isn’t a film most people will be able to simply “leave at the theatre.” It lingers, prompting reflection on your own values, relationships, and the stories you choose to share. It’s definitely not suitable for children, but film lovers will find plenty to appreciate.

About author

Alisha Bagshaw

Alisha Bagshaw is completing her BCST in Child and Youth Care Counselling and is working toward a career in psychology and policy advocacy. She enjoys reading, watching movies, and subjecting her husband and friends to in-depth (and usually unsolicited) synopses and thematic analysis.