The Drama faces backlash for its controversial school shooting plot twist, drawing criticism from families affected by gun violence.
Category: Arts & Culture
A24’s latest black comedy, The Drama, directed by Kristoffer Borgli and starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, is stirring controversy even before its official release on April 3, 2026. The film, marketed primarily for its romantic elements, takes a dark turn that has left early viewers shocked and outraged, particularly due to its handling of sensitive subject matter surrounding school shootings.
The plot centers on a couple, Emma (played by Zendaya) and Charlie (portrayed by Pattinson), whose wedding plans are thrown into chaos by a shocking confession during a parlour game. The twist reveals that Emma once planned a school shooting but decided against going through with it. This confession, made during a game where participants share the 'worst thing they've ever done,' has raised serious ethical questions about the film's narrative choices.
Tom Mauser, whose son Daniel was killed during the Columbine High School shooting, has been one of the most vocal critics of the film. He expressed his disgust at the film’s use of such a serious topic for a romantic comedy. “It’s awful to use the serious subject [of school shootings] for entertainment,” Mauser said, adding that the twist “humanizes” and “normalizes” violent acts. He was particularly disturbed by Zendaya’s comments during her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where she described the film's genre-bending nature but did not address the gravity of the subject matter adequately.
During her Kimmel appearance, Zendaya remarked, “What’s difficult about even talking about the movie is there are so many different genres [within it]. It is a romantic comedy, but it’s also a drama. Everybody has their own kind of feelings leaving the theatre, especially with the big twist.” She acknowledged that the film could provoke intense conversations among viewers, saying, “Those conversations can go many ways.” Kimmel himself noted the potential for the film to cause personal issues for some audience members, to which Zendaya agreed.
Critics have echoed Mauser's concerns about the film's appropriateness. Grace Randolph, a well-known film critic, took to social media after an early screening to voice her discomfort, stating, “I think The Drama might be handled poorly, making it impossible to discuss.” She emphasized the risk of normalizing or glamorizing school shootings, which remain a pressing issue, with over 150 incidents reported across the United States between 2023 and early 2025.
Zendaya’s comments and the film’s subject matter have sparked a broader debate about the representation of violence and trauma within entertainment. Critics argue that using such narratives can desensitize audiences and trivialize the real-life experiences of those affected by gun violence. Mauser, who has become an advocate for gun reform since losing his son, expressed concern that the film’s approach could undermine the seriousness of the issue.
Interestingly, the film does not depict any violence related to the shooting, which may be an attempt by the filmmakers to approach the topic delicately. Nonetheless, the mere suggestion of such a serious act within a romantic comedy framework has left many feeling unsettled. The film’s promotional strategy has also been cautious, with A24 limiting early screenings to avoid spoilers and manage audience expectations.
Initial reactions from early screenings have been mixed, with some praising the film for its provocative themes and performances. Critics noted that Zendaya and Pattinson deliver compelling portrayals of a couple grappling with the fallout from Emma's confession. “The chemistry between Zendaya and Pattinson is palpable, turning their interactions into a mix of tension and intimacy,” one critic remarked. Others, though, have warned potential viewers to temper their expectations, advising that The Drama is not the lighthearted romantic comedy it may appear to be.
The film's narrative, which blends romance with darker themes, aims to explore the dynamics of love and acceptance when faced with uncomfortable truths. Zendaya has stated, “What happens to Charlie and Emma after her confession becomes the ultimate test of love and acceptance.” This attempt to frame the narrative within the larger conversation about relationships and personal growth may resonate with some audiences, but many remain skeptical about the execution.
With its release just around the corner, The Drama is poised to become a focal point of discussion for its content and for the ethical questions it raises about the portrayal of sensitive topics within film. A24 has yet to comment on the backlash, choosing instead to allow the film and its audience to engage with the material on their own terms.
Whether The Drama will find favor with the broader public remains uncertain, but the controversy surrounding its premise has already sparked a heated debate about the responsibilities of filmmakers when tackling real-life tragedies. The film’s exploration of complex themes through the lens of a romantic comedy could either open up necessary dialogues or risk trivializing the very issues it seeks to address.
For now, all eyes are on Zendaya, Pattinson, and Borgli, with audiences eager to see how the film will be received when it finally hits theaters. The conversation around The Drama is unlikely to quiet down anytime soon, and its impact may be felt long after the credits roll.