Trailer editing is a lost art. Modern audiences want transparency; they want to believe that, when they go to the movies, their money will be well-spent. It’s a zero-sum game for filmmakers and viewers alike, who would both do well to recognize the inherent value in surprise. But if you happened to catch the trailer for Kristoffer Borgli’s latest film, “The Drama,” ahead of its theatrical release this week, you’ll know that the movie’s narrative twist — which arrives early in the film — is also its selling point.
In one section of the clip, a bright-eyed and betrothed couple, Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Robert Pattinson), sit down to dinner with their friends, Mike (Mamoudou Athie) and Rachel (Alana Haim). It’s days before Charlie and Emma’s wedding, and Rachel suggests that the four of them play a party game and say the worst thing that they’ve ever done. Quick cuts between Charlie, Mike and Rachel suggest their admissions are intense but relatively innocuous — things that can be laughed off and chalked up to childhood immaturity. Then, it’s Emma’s turn. She downs her glass of orange wine, leans forward and confesses to something truly shocking. Whatever the act is, it’s hidden from the trailer, but the ensuing reactions are not. Charlie raises an eyebrow. Emma stammers and apologizes. Rachel’s eyes sharpen with steely fury before yelling expletives across the table. Emma’s revelation has thrown everything into question. Cut to the next section. There will be no further information, only biting intrigue. This is one film trailer keeping the cards close to its chest, and for good reason: “The Drama” is required viewing.
