The Drama
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Foot Candle Films dives into the divisive new A24 release 'The Drama,' a dark romantic comedy starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, directed by Christopher Borgheli. The film follows a couple's wedding week as it unravels after a shocking revelation shared during a game of 'the worst thing you've ever done' at a final wedding tasting. Hosts Alan Jackson and Chris Fry both express strong admiration for the film's bold storytelling, masterful editing, and powerful performances, particularly praising the way the narrative plays with memory, time, and perception. However, they acknowledge the film's intense emotional weight and controversial subject matter, which may alienate or deeply unsettle some viewers. Despite its challenging tone, both hosts find the film's ending satisfying and thematically rich, calling it a provocative exploration of human nature, forgiveness, and the limits of knowing another person. The episode also features a lively trailer segment spotlighting three upcoming films: 'Is God Is' (May 15), 'Exit 8' (April 10), and 'Backrooms' (May 29), all drawing from non-traditional sources like stage plays and YouTube content. Chris Fry concludes with a lighthearted recommendation of the absurdly fun Hulu film 'Pizza Movie,' along with two free short films from YouTube creators Nick Coker and Brian McHaney.
The Drama uses innovative editing and time manipulation to explore how people remember and reinterpret their pasts.
The film's central revelation is intentionally jarring and designed to provoke discomfort, making it unsuitable for viewers seeking a conventional romantic comedy.
Despite its heavy subject matter, the film balances dark humor with emotional depth, particularly through subtle comedic moments like Emma's 'pants-down' joke.
The ending is both emotionally satisfying and thematically resonant, rewarding viewers who engage with the film's complex emotional arc.
The trailer segment highlights a growing trend of films adapting content from YouTube and stage plays, with 'Backrooms' and 'Exit 8' sharing striking visual and thematic similarities.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction and Sponsorship
Alan and Chris introduce the podcast, welcome listeners, and acknowledge the Foot Candle Film Society as the show's sponsor. They mention upcoming screenings and the society's website.
Review of 'The Drama' – The Film's Premise and Tone
“It's not going to work for a lot of people. It worked for me mainly because I was really taken with the performances.”
The Pivotal Scene and Audience Reaction
“The film wants us to be in both Charlie and Emma's head throughout the latter half of this film, mostly in Charlie's head.”
Performances, Filmmaking, and the Ending
“The way it was played on the film, I'm like, Nope. Love it. It was actually, I love the ending.”
Trailer Tapas: 'Is God Is', 'Exit 8', and 'Backrooms'
The hosts preview three upcoming films: 'Is God Is' (May 15), a revenge drama based on a play; 'Exit 8' (April 10), a Japanese horror film based on a video game; and 'Backrooms' (May 29), an A24 adaptation of YouTube content. They note the visual and thematic similarities between 'Exit 8' and 'Backrooms'.
“It's not going to work for a lot of people. It's going to be very troubling and very difficult to watch. And it's going to be upsetting.”
“It's not going to work for a lot of people. It worked for me mainly because I was really taken with the performances.”
“The film knows what it's doing. It's like, no, we're going to make it uncomfortable laughing at some moments given the subject matter we're dealing with.”
Hosts
The Drama
media
Chris Fry
person
Alan Jackson
person
Zendaya
person
Robert Pattinson
person
A24
other
Backrooms
media
Is God Is
media
Exit 8
media
Christopher Borgheli
person
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