A24 continues expanding its distinct cinematic language with The Drama, a new feature arriving in regional cinemas on 21 May. Bringing together Zendaya and Robert Pattinson in leading roles, the project moves away from the structure of a traditional romantic comedy and instead explores the fragile territory between intimacy, uncertainty, and emotional truth.
Zendaya stars as Emma Harwood, a confident literary editor with a strong sense of direction, while Robert Pattinson plays Charlie Thompson, a reserved museum curator dealing with his own insecurities. Together they portray a Boston couple approaching marriage, until a single revelation interrupts the stability of their relationship and begins to shift its entire dynamic.
At the center of The Drama sits a deceptively simple question: how much of ourselves should we really share with the person we love? What begins as openness gradually transforms into emotional uncertainty, as hidden experiences, unresolved fears, and changing perceptions begin to reshape the connection between two people.
The project is directed by Kristoffer Borgli, whose work often exists between realism and discomfort. Known for combining dark humor with psychologically complex storytelling, Borgli approaches relationships from a less idealized perspective. Rather than presenting love as something stable and predictable, his stories frequently examine how fragile and unsettling human connection can become.
The film is further supported by a cast including Alana Haim, Mamoudou Athie and Jordyn Curet, adding additional layers to a narrative built around perception, vulnerability, and personal truth.
Backed by A24 and produced by Lars Knudsen and Ari Aster, The Drama arrives at a moment when relationship stories on screen increasingly move beyond traditional romantic formulas. Instead of focusing on certainty, the film appears more interested in the uncomfortable spaces between honesty and consequence.
Credits
Production: A24
Director: Kristoffer Borgli
Talent: Zendaya, Robert Pattinson
