‘The Drama’ Review: The Hypocrisy of “Moral High Ground”

Zendaya and Robert Pattinson star in a rom-com produced by 24 studios’,

released April 2026.

By: Ollie Gray IV

A young couple is in their last week of life before getting hitched. After watching A24’s

newest film, I left the theater fixated on certain conflicts in the movie. I had no choice but

to reflect on events that transpired, regardless if whether I wanted to or not.

Planning the wedding up until the last week is something most young couples do. Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Robert Pattinson) look to tie up one loose end on the menu of the wedding reception.

Amongst other things that could be nerve wrecking, the couple couldn’t decide on a final menu previously. Emma, Charlie, Mike (Mamoudou Athie), and Rachel (Alana Haim) all gather for food and wine tasting, making the final menu decision.

The group gets drunk and a question is posed, “What is the worst thing you have ever done?” The discussion started off to a slow start. Emma is the last to answer. Her personal response changes the dynamic of the movie from that point on.

Kristoffer Borgli really brings in tense moments with a drop of jokes when it is time to be

serious. Everyone knows “there is a time and place for everything”, Borgli doesn’t care

about your opinion here.

The film forces us as the viewer to look within while experiencing internal conflict with the on screen cast. As humans we are all flawed in some way. Sometimes we make justifications for actions or defend actions of others because we “care”.

We as a nation have a way of using tribalism to defend people or turn on them at the drop of a hat because we feel morally better than them. We pass judgement when we have also “done wrong” but, somehow want to position ourselves above people knowing we have imperfections ourselves.

The film truly raises flags in regards to morality and social judgement. The Drama becomes more about the social climate in America and less about specific events within the plot.

The high ground of morality often collapses under the pressure of uncomfortable truths. Who can you trust? Are you a morally “good” person? The film truly leaves a lasting impact on us as the viewer as it is a direct reflection of real life.

The truth is we judge, defend, and change our perception of one another e in times of

moral press