The upcoming dark rom-com, “The Drama,” starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, has become the center of major controversies just days before its scheduled release on April 3rd. These issues include backlash over its violent plot twist and resurfaced details about director Kristoffer Borgli’s past relationship with a minor.
Plot Twist Sparks Outrage
Gun reform advocates have sharply criticized a central plot point in “The Drama.” The film allegedly features Zendaya’s character revealing she planned a high school shooting but ultimately backed out. Tom Mauser, whose son died in the Columbine High School massacre, expressed disgust to TMZ, arguing the movie “humanizes” shooters and “normalizes” school violence. This controversy highlights a growing debate about the responsibility filmmakers have when portraying such sensitive and traumatic events. The question of whether entertainment should explore these themes, and how, remains a contentious issue.
Director’s Past Relationship Resurfaces
Adding to the film’s troubles, an essay by director Kristoffer Borgli from years ago has resurfaced. In the piece, published by The Hollywood Reporter, he candidly discusses dating a 16-year-old girl when he was 27, framing it as a “May-December” romance that tested his moral compass. Borgli even references Woody Allen’s controversial relationship in “Manhattan” as justification for his actions. This revelation has reignited discussions about power dynamics, exploitation, and ethical boundaries in the entertainment industry.
The combined controversies surrounding “The Drama” raise significant questions about the line between artistic expression and potentially harmful content. Whether these incidents will impact the film’s commercial success remains to be seen.
