The High Stakes of Romance: A Review of Drop
Navigating the chaos of modern dating already feels like a thriller. Now, imagine that chaos intertwined with an unexpected murder plot! If you’re curious about how this predicament unfolds, look no further than the latest psychological thriller, Drop.
A Deadly First Date
In this riveting film, actress Meghann Fahy, known for her captivating role in The White Lotus, portrays a fragile single mother drawn into an unthinkable scenario. On what she hopes is a romantic first date at an upscale high-rise restaurant, her plans quickly spiral into a chaotic nightmare. As tradition dictates, she keeps her phone at the table, ready to monitor her five-year-old kid back home. Little does she know, the real emergency is about to arise, targeting her!
As Fahy’s character receives cryptic text messages from an unknown source, she’s thrust into a sinister game: follow the instructions to poison her date and maintain an air of normalcy while doing it. The entire plot unfolds over the course of a single evening, keeping viewers on a sharp edge with its confined yet gripping setting.
Thrills and Visual Appeal
Drop might remind viewers of past classics like Nick of Time (1995) and Red Eye (2005), yet it brings a fresh twist by contextualizing its suspense in today’s technologically driven world. Instead of typical on-screen text messages, the film creatively showcases them as imposing visuals around the protagonist’s head, amplifying her sense of dread. This stylistic choice not only adds flair but immerses the audience deeper into her reality.
However, despite its visual swagger, the film’s thematic execution cannot mask its shortcomings.
Humor or Horror? The Conflicted Tone of Drop
Directed by Christopher Landon, who is known for the campy charm of the Happy Death Day films, Drop struggles to blend humor seamlessly into its thriller narrative. Throughout its 95-minute runtime, viewers are bombarded with awkward jokes that often detract from the tension the film attempts to build.
As I watched, I found myself asking, "Is this film trying to make me laugh or keep me on the edge of my seat?" The attempted humor often falls flat, emphasizing the film’s juvenile and absurd tone, which can turn serious moments into unintentionally comedic ones. Good thrillers manage to balance levity and intensity, but Drop lacks finesse in its screenplay.
A Climax That Falls Flat
As the film churns toward its climax, prepare for eye-roll-worthy moments that may test your patience. While some audiences might find limited enjoyment in its absurdity, these fleeting moments do little to elevate Drop into the annals of memorable thrillers. Instead, it risks being overshadowed by its own attempts at humor, leaving the audience confused and disappointed.
Conclusion: Is Drop Worth Watching?
In a world where the dating scene is fraught with anxiety and uncertainty, Drop ambitiously explores what happens when that tension escalates to murder. Unfortunately, it fails to deliver a fully satisfying experience. While its creative visual storytelling is a standout, the film’s inability to strike a harmonious balance between thrills and humor ultimately leaves Drop more of a missed opportunity than a frightful delight.
If you’re seeking a nail-biting experience, you might want to look elsewhere. Yet, if you enjoy quirky psychological plots with a side of absurdity, it may just be worth a watch. Remember, every film has its audience—perhaps Drop is waiting for yours.
For more thrilling film reviews and insights, check out Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic.
