041026 ~ "The Drama" - Perry Seibert

The guest, Perry Seibert, delivers a sharply observed and unconventional review of *The Drama*, a dark psychological comedy starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. He praises the film’s bold structure—built almost entirely on montage and rapid editing rather than traditional narrative progression—and lauds its emotionally intelligent handling of anxiety, calling it a 'comedy of anxiety' that avoids becoming a mere torture fest. While he acknowledges the film’s tonal tightrope—neither light enough nor dark enough to fully commit to its unsettling premise—he ultimately celebrates its ending, which he calls beautifully set up and deeply satisfying. The movie’s central secret, which drives the entire narrative, is deliberately withheld, and Seibert argues that its controversial nature isn’t a marketing gimmick but a narrative choice that forces audiences to engage with the film’s emotional core. He also highlights the film’s rare achievement: a young cast portraying adult emotional complexity in a way that feels authentic, not juvenile. Despite reservations about the middle section and the film’s reliance on a provocative revelation, Seibert insists it’s one of the most original and well-structured films of the year—especially surprising for April. He credits the Norwegian director Christopher Borley and A24’s savvy marketing for turning a niche, risky project into a $28 million opening weekend success.