The One Thing to Know Before Watching Zendaya and Robert Pattinson’s A24 Drama

So, A24 is back at it again, and this time they’re serving up a film called 'The Drama'—and yes, they really did just name it that. It drops in US theaters this weekend, and there are a couple things you might want to know before you decide to fork over your cash for a ticket.

Quick Lowdown: Who’s Behind This?

The film is the brainchild of Kristoffer Borgli, whose resume includes the darkly comic 'Sick of Myself' and last year’s 'Dream Scenario' (the one where Nicolas Cage dreamed in everyone else’s heads—long story). Here, Borgli is both writer and director, so expect his particular flavor of uncomfortable humor and poking at society’s wounds.

Cast: An A-List Lineup

• Zendaya as Emma Harwood
• Robert Pattinson as Charlie Thompson
• Mamoudou Athie as Mike
• Alana Haim as Rachel

Zendaya and Pattinson are front and center; critics have singled out both for turning in genuinely magnetic performances. (Not exactly a big surprise, but good to have confirmed.)

What’s It Actually About?

On the surface, it’s a story about a happily engaged couple whose wedding week gets completely upended by something nobody saw coming. If that sounds like the setup for a romcom, think again—this movie gets much darker, much weirder, and probably not what your grandma wants to watch with you.

Critical Response: Mostly Good, But Not Unanimous

'The Drama' is currently pulling in solid numbers from critics—81% on Rotten Tomatoes, to be specific, with 128 reviews counted as of now. But here’s the catch: reviews keep circling back to how divided opinions are going to be. Some folks love the way Borgli navigates the film’s heavier themes; some aren’t so thrilled with how the script handles them.

The Big Question: Should You Be Worried About Spoilers or Sensitive Content?

There’s been a lot of talk (and plenty of leaks online) about a major twist in the story. I’m not going to spell it out here, so feel free to read on if you don’t want spoilers. That said, people who are extra sensitive about violence—especially when the story touches on kids or recent news topics—should know this film isn’t shying away from hot-button subject matter. If that’s something you want to be prepared for, do yourself a favor and check out more info in advance.

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

That’s the official studio line, and it’s about as vague as you’d expect. It doesn’t even hint at the film’s more controversial elements.

The Vibe: Prepare to Feel Unsettled

This isn’t a crowd-pleaser designed for everyone. Some reviewers have called 'The Drama' polarizing and genuinely unsettling, which, honestly, sounds right up A24’s alley. This is the type of film that’ll probably provoke a few heated debates once the credits roll. There are people calling it smart and genre-bending, others saying the writing just doesn’t land. If you like your movies challenging or think you can outguess a plot twist, you might have fun here—but if you just want a feel-good romance, this is not it.

Bottom line: 'The Drama' is doing exactly what an A24 flick should—getting people to argue about it in the lobby, and giving its grade-A cast something juicy to chew on. Just know what you’re getting into before you settle in.