WRITER & DIRECTOR
Kristoffer Borgli
Dream Scenario, Sick of Myself

STARS
Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Alana Haim, Mamoudou Athie, Hailey Gates and Jordyn Curet

An engaged couple unexpectedly on the rocks on the eve of their wedding.

This is where Charlie and Emma (played by Robert Pattinson and Zendaya) find themselves standing after an unsettling revelation is made that causes one of them to start questioning everything they know, or at least thought they knew, about their soon-to-be life partner, in what is quite simply one of the most flawless and fantastic films of 2026!

In the lead-up to this brilliantly thought-provoking script development being made, The Drama cleverly, intimately and very engagingly chronicles in bite sized pieces how the (now) shaky couple first met, first dated, first kissed, first… you get the drift, via final preparations for the pending big day. Playing a role in helping them with their preparations and offering some social distraction is Charlie’s close friend and best man, Mike (Mamoudou Athie), and Mike’s partner, Rachel (Alana Haim), the maid of honour. By simply being present and sharing in what was intended to be harmless banter, Mike and Rachel become heavily embroiled in the conundrum, with Mike wanting the best for his best man above all else but striking a personal chord with Rachel.

Folks, forget about mainstream wedding rom coms for now. The Drama is a walk down the aisle like no other that is and (dare I say) will remain the wedding movie of the year you simply need to take!

Even if by the end you do not withdraw a similar amount of psychological analysis from it as I evidently did and mention in spoiler-free style below, you are still left to experience an expertly constructed and deconstructed scenario that is outstandingly written, directed and acted. A work of triumphant tragedy and razor-sharp comic genius that is never less than sublimely engaging to watch.

While just about everyone who decides to see The Drama (and I hope there is many of you!) will be keen for that forthcoming revelation to arrive, curious to know what transpires thereafter and if there will or will not be a wedding by the end of it, it cannot be underestimated just how critical a role depicting Charlie and Emma’s earlier years plays in all of these developments. To see the organic and certain (albeit awkward) chemistry that existed from the first time they meet to the subtle yet powerful shifts in their dynamic later cannot be conveyed this clearly or potently with mere words. This film definitely invites and even encourages viewers to invest psychological thought into its narrative but leaves any deeply analytical takeaways to individual viewer discretion. It is, however, generally thought-provoking in depicting how the acquisition of newfound information about someone can change (sometimes completely) your perception of them. To the point where maintaining that person in your life, irrespective of how close they are, is brought into serious question. The film is mesmerising at how learning that one additional piece of intel about a person also challenges or shifts perceptions and understandings of past comments made or events to transpire. What was once a throwaway statement said out loud and dismissed at the time is now remembered and may form new red flag meaning! For Charlie and Emma, each dance rehearsal, food tasting and photo shoot, starts to not only be absent of the joy and excitement typically associated to such proceedings but instead adds another layer of complexity and anxiety to the situation, and continues to build that growing sense of dread as they take another step closer to a marriage they are only getting closer to calling off…

The Drama’s ability to observe a light-hearted side to proceedings and demonstrate biting precision in deriving darkened humour from its spiralling situation is stellar. This showcases how cleverly thought-out and written this film truly is and only enhances its appeal and affection audiences will have for it. A curious music score also compliments this aspect of the movie, but what especially elevates it for me is what its scenario ultimately highlights. How people can have the tendency to just jump straight into judgement mode rather than seeking to understand what they are judging first. The extra damage incurred doing so and how this results in people being treated unfairly, even poorly. All the while giving us a balanced juxtaposition of how challenging, yet worthwhile controlling overreaction and intense emotion proves to be. Approaching each matter and person with love, care and compassion at all times but especially when conflicting feelings are had, irrespective of what that might mean to the final outcome. 

Say I do to The Drama, and you’ll also be thrown a bouquet of immaculate acting performances from all the cast, but especially by Zendaya, Robert Pattinson and Alana Haim.

The Drama is showing in cinemas across Australia from April 2nd, 2026.

Moviedoc thanks VVS Films and Nixco for the invitation to the screening of this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

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