The Drama

You know those party games where you admit to the worst thing you’ve ever done? What do you do if someone owns up to something truly reprehensible? This is what happens to a happily engaged couple (Zendaya & Robert Pattinson) in the leadup to their perfect wedding. 

This new film by Norwegian shit-disturber Kristoffer Borgli (Dream Scenario, Sick of Myself) is hard to categorize. A romantic comedy, a farce to be sure, but a rather mordant one. It’s unabashedly and uncomfortably cringe-worthy, but at the same time original and thought-provoking. At the very least it will hold your interest and stay with you long after the closing credits. 

Zendaya, who seems to be popping up everywhere these days, puts in a grounded, layered performance as the truth-teller. And Pattinson continues to impress since his hokey debut in Twilight in such diverse films as The Lighthouse, Mickey 17, and The Odyssey).

This rabbit hole is an intelligent, disquieting and thorny examination of relationships and how we are perceived by others as opposed to how we see ourselves, past lives and present. The apocalyptic wedding scene is memorable. I don’t know what your reaction will be, but it will be a strong one. (105 min)