Traditional wedding vows include statements like “for better, for worse” and “in sickness and in health”. The latest A24 film, The Drama, is a dark romantic comedy that challenges if a couple can honor “for better, for worse.”

The film opens like a standard romantic comedy on the week of Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie’s (Robert Pattison) wedding. As Charlie writes his vows, alongside his best man Mike (Mamoudou Athie), you learn the genesis of Emma and Charlie’s storybook romance. At the wine/food tasting for the wedding, they’re joined by Mike (the best man) and his wife/maid of honor Rachel (Alana Haim). After a few glasses of wine, Mike mentions before their wedding date; him and his wife shared the worst thing they’ve ever done. The group shares some of the most embarrassing and humiliating stories. When it’s Emma’s turn she shares a story that’s alarming and a bit unnerving.

The reveal shocks Charlie and begins to weigh on him and their relationship. As Charlie and Emma try to hold their relationship together, things begin to fall apart.

Writer/Director Kristoffer Borgli (Dream Scenario) does a good job blending two things – a dream relationship and wedding and a hot button issue that’s at the root of Emma’s confession. Without spoiling the reveal, Brogli puts the audience in an interesting predicament. You may sympathize with Emma but you’re also forced to grapple with her reveal and the feeling it leaves you with. The audience might ask themselves how much truth do they really want in a relationship. How much does someone’s past impact your capacity to love them?

Even with The Drama’s heavy themes, the movie finds a space to be humorous and even laugh out loud funny at times. The shift in tone helps the audience swallow the serious themes explored through most of the film. As the film flashes back to show Emma’s reveal, it’s very dark but also funny at times. The film really hits its comedic stride in the third act as things go off the rails.

Zendaya gives a wonderful performance. It’s great to see her play a lead that’s beautifully complicated, a bit messy, and someone you find yourself rooting for even if you understand while the other characters might differently. Pattinson is also great as the soon-to-be husband that’s caught between the love of his life and a WTF is happening moment. It’s hard to capture the full scope of what it’s like to be in Charlie’s situation but Borgli hits the right notes to help the audiences empathize with the character.

There is beauty in how messy and complicated this film is. It makes some bold choices that will be ripe for discussion and discourse around relationships. Charlie gives a brief monologue about American culture and what it does to people. Life can be diffucult and plenty of people are fighting silent battles. How many people are standing on the edge of life. They may regret decisions they’ve made in those moments and we ask ourselves how much of that person is still there. Was it a fleeting thought or is there some fire burning deep inside that you’re keeping down?

The Drama is unlike any dark romantic comedy I’ve seen. The reveal puts the audience in an interesting space. Wherever you land, the film will make you feel something. That may be Borgli’s vision for this film. I’m excited to see what he makes next.

Grade: B+