The controversial twist in Zendaya and Robert Pattinson’s ‘The Drama’ explained

EntertainmentMovie
1 Apr 2026 • 10:51 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • The upcoming A24 film The Drama stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson as an engaged couple whose relationship is tested by a dark secret.
  • The central plot twist reveals that Zendaya's character, Emma, once planned a school shooting but ultimately decided against it.
  • This controversial storyline has drawn criticism from Tom Mauser, whose son died in the Columbine High School massacre, for potentially normalising such violence within a romantic comedy and potentially humanising perpetrators.
  • Zendaya defended the film's multi-genre approach, suggesting it aims to spark conversations
  • Written and directed by Kristoff Borgli, The Drama is scheduled for release in cinemas on 3 April 2026.

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