In his third opus, “The Drama,” Norwegian director Kristoffer Borgli tackles a situation seen a thousand times on screen, that of wedding preparations. However, his script delves deeply into a philosophical theme, deviating significantly from the typical comedic approach, with the Zendaya/Pattinson duo delivering outstanding performances.
Love at first sight
We quickly witness the meeting, or rather the love at first sight, between Emma and Charlie, two thirtysomethings who are very chic, nice, and cool. Emma discloses to her lover that she is deaf in one ear, without dwelling too much on the subject. The lovebirds decide to pledge fidelity according to the law.
Some time before, during a dinner with another couple of their age, after a few drinks, everyone decides to play the truth game with a very delicate theme: the worst thing you have ever done. It’s Emma’s turn. The film then takes a completely different direction. Relationships disintegrate at lightning speed. Even Charlie is left bewildered, just hours before the wedding. However, the wedding must go on with a mandatory speech, usually meant to “sanctify” the newlyweds. That’s when another bomb explodes.
An eminently philosophical theme
No, this is not just another Hollywood comedy. The Norwegian director infuses his film with an eminently philosophical theme: can one be held responsible, or even guilty, of an action they did not commit? Here, an action that could have had serious consequences. This theme alone could have been the exclusive subject of a film that would not have escaped anyone’s attention.
Kristoffer Borgli decides, with incredible virtuosity, to incorporate this theme into a romcom for all audiences. Along the way, it raises questions about the virtues of omission in love, as well as guilt and judgment from others.
Two incredible actors
To handle all these complex themes, he brought together two actors with undeniable charisma: Zendaya, perfect as Emma tormented by a past she cannot escape, and Robert Pattinson, incredible as Charlie, full of spontaneity, naivety, and vulnerability, with his lost and pitiful looks solidifying his character in the midst of turmoil.
The direction of the actors, lighting, framing, and photography all contribute to a film much deeper than its poster suggests.
Robert Pénavyre
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