The new A24 film, The Drama, starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, is stirring up plenty of conversation. Although the studio kept the film’s deeper themes under wraps, it’s hard to ignore the weighty subject matter. The movie follows Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Pattinson) as they navigate their wedding plans. Tension arises when Emma reveals she once contemplated a school shooting in her teens but ultimately didn’t act on it.
Jackie Corin, a co-founder of March for Our Lives and a Parkland shooting survivor, shared her thoughts with The Hollywood Reporter. She sees this film as a natural evolution in storytelling, especially given how often school shootings feature in today’s cultural landscape. “Gun violence in schools is no mere story device,” Corin asserts. “While art can heighten awareness, it also risks trivializing serious issues.” She believes that even small choices in tone can affect how a story is perceived, making it crucial to approach such topics carefully.
Though the film attempts to explore the mindset of someone considering violence, it incorporates elements of dark comedy. Mia Tretta, another shooting survivor from a 2019 incident, expressed concern to USA Today, stating, “Jokes about a school shooting aren’t appropriate.” Corin agreed that humor can be a way for some to cope with trauma, but it can also come off as jarring for those still grappling with fear and grief related to gun violence.
Corin, who lived through the Parkland tragedy, pointed out how humor changes the conversation. “For survivors, it might feel completely different,” she explained. “Millions of kids live in fear of such incidents daily, so what is humorous to one person can feel deeply offensive to another.” She also raised concerns about casting such high-profile actors like Zendaya and Pattinson, saying their fame can glamorize problematic narratives. “Their popularity means the film gets massive attention. That’s a double-edged sword—it can spark critical discussions, but it can also mislead audiences,” she noted.
Interestingly, leading up to the film’s release, the studio chose not to highlight its themes of violence. Critics, including Richard Lawson from The Hollywood Reporter, described it as a “dramedy of pre-wedding jitters” with an underlying social message that can’t be ignored. Corin pointed out the disconnect between the actors’ press appearances—often lighthearted chatter—and the film’s serious subject matter. She believes it’s essential for performers like Zendaya and Pattinson to use their platforms responsibly.
With gun violence impacting countless families today, it’s vital that filmmakers tread carefully when weaving such themes into their narratives. Many voices in the community deserve consideration, especially those who have faced the harsh realities of these events. Addressing these issues in a meaningful way can help bridge the gap between entertainment and the pressing realities we face as a society.
For more insights into the intersection of film and social issues, you can check out USA Today.
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