Movie Review: The Drama

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B+

A dark, twisted and completely engaging movie. 

In this movie, a couple (Zendaya, Robert Pattinson) are about to get married. Though they are very much in love, their relationship is put to the test when a dark secret from one (Zendaya) of their pasts comes to light. 

Going into this movie, I had no idea what the dark secret was going to be. When it was actually stated, I could not have been more shocked. This movie decided to tackle an incredibly taboo subject, something that is just not discussed in movies like this. I simply have to applaud the filmmakers for the sheer bravery that goes towards really discussing a subject like this. More than this, the movie approaches the subject with a real sense of maturity. This is the type of film that will make you question what is ethically right in a case like this or is there even such a thing as ethically right here. There are no easy questions to any of the ethical questions raised and this movie doesn't present there ever could be. These are questions that you won't stop asking for long after the end credits roll. The movie has much dark humor around this situation (some of it is laugh out loud funny, while some falls flat) but it never treats the subject matter as anything less than completely serious. I did not expect to feel uncomfortable watching this movie, but many scenes made me squirm in my chair. Throughout all of this Robert Pattinson and Zendaya perfectly capture the complexity of the characters and the subject matter. 

Unfortunately, at times this movie has too many scenes involving throwing up and some uncomfortable sexual moments that seem to go out of their way to seem shocking. This is unnecessary when the subject matter is shocking enough. This movie is also hurt by many underdeveloped and bland supporting characters, who end up having important scenes centered on them. This makes these scenes simply not have the effect they should. 

A brave, smart and engaging film.