Photo credit: www.thewrap.com
For anyone who has experienced a disastrous first date, Christopher Landon’s film “Drop” escalates that anxiety to a level that feels almost supernatural. The storyline centers around a woman, portrayed by Meghann Fahy, who receives menacing airdrop messages threatening her son’s life unless she commits a violent act against her date. This premise sets the stage for a thriller that promises to deliver suspense in just over 90 minutes.
However, the film struggles to sustain the tension necessary to make its intriguing, though uneven, concept come to life. Landon, known for his witty takes on horror with films like “Happy Death Day” and “Freaky,” seems to falter here. While “Drop” is not entirely off the mark, it often feels tepid, providing an experience that is at times clumsy and leaves its actors with little to engage with. Although it is not as ineffective as Landon’s earlier outing, “We Have a Ghost,” the sporadic thrills offered through some creative execution ultimately fail to compensate for a plot that often misses the mark.
Premiering at SXSW, the narrative follows Violet, a compassionate therapist and single mother, as she attempts to navigate the modern dating scene after enduring a significant trauma, hinted at through flashbacks. The film introduces us to her family dynamics briefly before she heads to an upscale restaurant for her date with Henry, played by Brandon Sklenar. Here, the film attempts to establish a range of secondary characters, including a friendly bartender and an awkward diner. Unfortunately, these characters lack the depth necessary for audiences to invest in their fates, as they exist primarily to set the stage for Violet’s impending ordeal.
The central conflict unfolds as Violet begins receiving threatening airdrops after Henry joins her at the table. The anonymous threatener seems to observe her every move, complicating her ability to alert others for help and trapping her in a tight spot. The film’s choice to create a sense of constant surveillance serves to build some initial suspense, but it quickly becomes apparent that the plot is confined by its own limitations, leaving it somewhat predictable as it heads toward the conclusion.
Fahy delivers a commendable performance as Violet, yet the screenplay fails to fully explore her character’s potential responses to the escalating threat. In contrast, a film like “Trap,” which also dealt with a similarly intense premise, managed to successfully amplify tension through well-structured pacing and inventive scenarios. For “Drop,” aside from standout moments provided by Jeffery Self as the overly comical waiter, the story lacks the sharp buildup and engaging dynamics necessary to elevate the experience.
While there are brief flashes of creativity, particularly in the way text messages are visually presented, the film ultimately feels like it is treading water rather than advancing towards something thrilling. Audience members might find themselves wishing for a more engaging narrative, making it feel like time spent with “Drop” is similar to a dull dinner date—one where patrons eagerly anticipate the moment they can leave for a better adventure.
Source
www.thewrap.com