Zendaya and Robert Pattinson's latest cinematic venture is proving that provocative storytelling can also mean major box office success. Their new film, The Drama, a dark comedy that has sparked intense audience debate, is not just a conversation starter—it's a certified hit. After just two weeks in theaters, the movie is closing in on a coveted $100 million global haul and has already secured a spot among indie studio A24's most financially successful releases.
A Controversial Hit Enters the Record Books
Directed by Kristoffer Borgli, The Drama centers on an engaged couple whose future is thrown into chaos by a shocking revelation from the bride's past. The film's handling of sensitive themes and complex characters has divided viewers, fueling both its notoriety and its ticket sales. This weekend, its worldwide gross surpassed $82 million, officially bumping the horror classic Hereditary from A24's all-time top five list. It has also overtaken fellow studio hit Materialists in domestic earnings.
The film's performance is a testament to the power of adult-oriented stories that capture the cultural moment, following in the footsteps of recent A24 successes like Past Lives and Materialists. With a reported budget of $28 million, its profitability is assured, and it is now poised to become only the fourth A24 film ever to cross the $100 million mark worldwide. It currently trails only Civil War, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Marty Supreme on the studio's lifetime chart.
Critical Acclaim and Star Power
Audiences aren't the only ones talking. Critics have embraced the film's ambitious tone, awarding it a "Certified Fresh" 78% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The consensus praises the movie for deftly navigating complex ideas, highlighting "career-highlight performances" from its two leads. Supporting actress Alana Haim has also received significant attention for her pivotal role in the narrative.
The success marks a huge moment for Zendaya, who is currently dominating screens both big and small. She continues to star in HBO's equally discussed series Euphoria, and her upcoming slate is packed with blockbusters. She will reunite with Pattinson this summer in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey and later in Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Three. Another surefire hit, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, is also on her calendar.
The Drama's journey is a prime example of how indie gems can become global phenomena, shocking the box office with their resonance. Its ability to stir debate while drawing crowds shows a healthy appetite for challenging, star-driven films aimed at grown-ups.
What's Next for the Breakout Film?
With its current trajectory, The Drama is expected to eclipse Materialists' final global total of $108 million in the coming weeks. Its success adds to a strong year for A24 and underscores a trend of sophisticated films finding substantial audiences. This performance stands in contrast to other recent releases, like Bob Odenkirk's quieter opening for Normal, showcasing the diverse landscape of modern cinema.
For Zendaya and Pattinson, the film solidifies their status as compelling draws beyond franchise fare. As The Drama continues its theatrical run, all eyes will be on when it officially joins the $100 million club, cementing its place as one of the year's most talked-about and commercially successful artistic endeavors.
