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A24's 'The Drama' streams on HBO Max, igniting controversy
A24’s black‑comedy film *The Drama*, directed by Kristoffer Borgli and starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, opened theatrically in 2026. It grossed $132.5 million worldwide against a $28 million budget and holds an 81 % Rotten Tomatoes rating.
The story follows Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Pattinson) in the week before their wedding, when a group confession reveals that Emma had once planned a school shooting that never happened. The twist sparked a cultural debate over guilt, trauma and the moral limits of fictional representation, with some viewers expecting a light‑hearted rom‑com based on the film’s marketing.
On July 31 2026 the movie began streaming on HBO Max. While HBO Max itself offers no free trial, a 5‑day DIRECTV trial can be used to access the service, and other bundled subscription options are available.
Entities
A24 · HBO Max · Kristoffer Borgli · Robert Pattinson · The Drama · Zendaya
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Drama earned $132.5 million worldwide on a $28 million budget. culturacolectiva.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The film’s marketing led some viewers to expect a romantic comedy. rissiwrites.com · www.syracuse.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Zendaya and Robert Pattinson star as Emma and Charlie in The Drama. rissiwrites.com · www.highonfilms.com · culturacolectiva.com · www.syracuse.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] DIRECTV offers a 5‑day free trial that can be used to access HBO Max. www.syracuse.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Drama is directed by Kristoffer Borgli. rissiwrites.com · www.highonfilms.com · culturacolectiva.com · www.syracuse.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Drama began streaming on HBO Max on July 31 2026. rissiwrites.com · www.syracuse.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Drama holds an 81 % rating on Rotten Tomatoes. culturacolectiva.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In the film, Emma confesses she had once planned a school shooting that never occurred. culturacolectiva.com