by Henry Pham
Looks like Batman is taking Spider-Man’s girlfriend with him, based on what you saw on the movie poster. 2026 is a golden year for Zendaya with A24’s The Drama, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and Dune: Part Three. Speaking of her, as you all noticed, Zendaya is now married to Tom Holland, according to the news. A24’s The Drama is a romantic drama written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli (who also directed Dream Scenario), focusing on an engaged couple, Emma and Charlie, whose relationship unravels just before their wedding. In the film, Charlie works as a British museum director and curator, while Emma is a book lover and works as a bookstore clerk. As they form a relationship, a shocking confession about Emma’s past forces them to confront deep insecurities and challenge their love to the test.
Two superhero actors, Zendaya (MCU’s Spider-Man films) and Robert Pattinson (The Batman), have landed their romantic-movie gig, leading the film as Emma and Charlie, whose initial meeting in a coffee shop is marked by a misunderstanding that evolves into a compelling love story. Their strong on-screen chemistry and nuanced performances convey deep emotion and vulnerability, making them the film’s standout elements. Supported by Mamoudou Athie (Pixar’s Elemental), Alana Haim (Licorice Pizza), Hailey Gates (Challengers), and Zoë Winters (HBO’s Succession), the cast collectively enhances the narrative. Both Zendaya and Pattinson have expressed gratitude for participating in this project.
Arseni Khachaturan’s cinematography evokes a 1990s aesthetic, while director Borgli’s approach delivers a raw, psychologically driven romantic narrative. The film’s Louisiana and Boston settings are captured with authenticity, creating a natural atmosphere reminiscent of New York City. Although marketed as a romantic comedy, the film’s tone is darker and more somber, especially in the third act, which is emotionally intense and challenging to watch. Camera instability, romantic-movie directorial ambition, and explicit scenes may be unsettling for some viewers. However, the film’s social commentary on gun violence is impactful.
Zendaya and Robert Pattinson manage to deliver the dark drama and psychological romance in The Drama. It is not bad, but not perfect. It is a good movie for couples only, but it is also a great choice for those going on a date. Although I wish this movie had been released on Valentine’s Day instead of April. My guess is that the studio wanted to pick a different date to accommodate this film’s release without competing with another romantic movie on that specific day. The cast performances are decent, but Zendaya and Robert Pattinson tug at my heartstrings. It is a must-watch, especially for couples and fans of Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, and runs about 105 minutes long. If you want to watch this, then save the date for this romantic-movie outing.
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