Today : Feb 04, 2026
Arts & Culture
04 February 2026

Zendaya And Robert Pattinson Face Turmoil In The Drama

A24’s new film explores the unraveling of a seemingly happy couple’s relationship as secrets emerge in the days before their wedding.

Moviegoers and fans of both Zendaya and Robert Pattinson have been buzzing since February 3, 2026, when the much-anticipated trailer for The Drama dropped, offering a tantalizing glimpse into what promises to be one of this year’s most talked-about films. Scheduled for release by A24 on April 3, 2026, The Drama is the latest work from acclaimed director Kristoffer Borgli, who’s quickly earned a reputation for bold, offbeat storytelling. With an ensemble cast that includes Mamoudou Athie, Alana Haim, Hailey Gates, and Zoë Winters, and executive production from Ari Aster through his company Square Peg, the film is already generating significant awards buzz.

At its heart, The Drama centers on Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Robert Pattinson), an engaged couple whose relationship is put to the ultimate test in the week leading up to their wedding. The trailer, released by A24 and widely covered by outlets like Deadline and IndieWire, introduces viewers to a story that veers sharply away from the classic romantic comedy formula. Instead, it plunges into the emotional chaos that ensues when secrets are revealed and trust is shattered.

The opening scenes of the trailer set the tone: Emma and Charlie, both nervous and awkward, are being photographed ahead of their wedding. The photographer, sensing tension, tries to coax out genuine smiles and asks them to share their favorite things about each other. Charlie, ever the doting fiancé, calls Emma “beautiful” and “funny” and says she has “the best life,” while Emma describes Charlie as “caring, understanding and open-minded.” Yet, even in these seemingly tender moments, the cracks in their relationship are visible. As the photographer encourages them to “remember, you know each other really well,” viewers are given a montage that hints at deeper issues simmering beneath the surface.

According to Deadline, the drama escalates when another couple—played by Alana Haim and Mamoudou Athie—suggests a game: each person must confess the worst thing they’ve ever done before tying the knot. What’s meant to be a lighthearted exercise quickly spirals out of control. Emma’s confession, the details of which remain shrouded in mystery, sends shockwaves through the group. The trailer captures the uncomfortable aftermath, with Haim’s character exclaiming in disbelief, “Are you serious? Emma, what the f--k!” The fallout is immediate and severe; Charlie is visibly shaken, and the wedding plans begin to unravel.

Emma’s vulnerability is further exposed in a candid exchange with her friend, played by Alana Haim. When asked, “So, Charlie is your first love? Or crush?” Emma sheepishly admits, “Both? What, is that insane?” Haim’s character responds with a deadpan, “At 30?”—a moment that injects both humor and awkwardness into the proceedings. As People notes, this revelation adds a layer of naivete to Emma’s character, making her both relatable and unpredictable.

The trailer doesn’t shy away from the darker turns the story takes. There’s a montage of a car crashing into a tree, an explosive argument at the wedding ceremony, Charlie hurling a chair in frustration, and Emma, in a fit of desperation, pulling a knife on Charlie. In one particularly raw moment, Charlie is seen in a tuxedo stained with blood, while Emma, still in her wedding dress, takes a swig from a bottle of liquor. The film’s tone shifts from comedic to harrowing in the blink of an eye, keeping viewers on edge. As Pattinson’s Charlie sums it up in the trailer, “It’s just, there’s some drama.”

The supporting cast adds further depth to the story. Hailey Gates and Zoë Winters round out the ensemble, while Mamoudou Athie delivers a memorable toast at the wedding, and Alana Haim’s character plays a pivotal role in unraveling the couple’s secrets. The film’s depiction of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal is as central to the narrative as the romance itself.

Behind the camera, Kristoffer Borgli brings his signature style to the project. IndieWire points out that The Drama is Borgli’s fourth feature film, following the acclaimed DRIB (2017), the dark comedy Sick of Myself (2022), and the breakout indie hit Dream Scenario (2024), which starred Nicolas Cage and was released by A24 after premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival. Borgli’s penchant for dark humor and psychological complexity is evident throughout The Drama, and his collaboration with executive producer Ari Aster—known for films like Hereditary and Midsommar—has only heightened anticipation.

Adding further intrigue, the film’s promotional materials include a faux announcement in The Boston Globe for “the wedding of the year,” highlighting Emma’s background as an English major from Boston University, Charlie’s Ph.D. in art history from Tufts University, and his role as director of the Cambridge Arts Museum. Emma’s father, described as a “decorated military veteran,” and her Louisiana upbringing add layers of backstory that hint at the couple’s contrasting worlds.

While the plot details remain closely guarded, Robert Pattinson has admitted that he struggled to understand one particular scene in the script, underscoring the film’s emotional complexity. “She’s great. I really, really like her. And yeah, she’s incredible in The Drama as well and in all of them,” Pattinson told GQ regarding his experience working with Zendaya on this and other upcoming projects. Despite the on-screen turbulence, their off-screen chemistry is said to be seamless, with the pair set to collaborate on two more films in 2026.

As the release date approaches, speculation is mounting over whether Emma and Charlie will make it down the aisle—or if their week of revelations and chaos will prove insurmountable. The film’s willingness to explore the messier, less glamorous side of love and commitment is already resonating with audiences eager for something more than the typical wedding movie. With its mix of humor, heartbreak, and raw emotion, The Drama is poised to be a standout in this year’s cinematic landscape.

Whether you’re a fan of Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, or just looking for a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre, The Drama promises a rollercoaster of emotions and a story that lingers long after the credits roll.