Drop
This post was originally published on March 10 , 2025 , as a part of our SXSW Film & TV Festival coverage .
Dropwas perhaps one of the most gang - pleasing films at theSXSW Film & TV Festival . It caused a superfluity of fervent reactions — laugh , wild hand clapping , and quite a few gasps and “ ohs ” . I was locked into the film from the start , with an possibility scene that seemingly alludes to how Violet ’s ( Meghann Fahy ) night will cease before returning the day of the date with Henry ( Brandon Sklenar ) . Director Christopher Landon , work from a script by Jillian Jacobs and Christopher Roach , has an instant hit on his hands withDrop .
The film is reminiscent of some of the just one - position films out there , includingRed EyeandPhone Booth . But it ’s perhaps a bit more intense because pass on a first date is a nerve-wracking situation in and of itself ; it ’s also one we can all relate to . Violet ’s anxiety is worse as a subsister of abuse . The idea of going on a date after so many years , and leaving her five - twelvemonth - old Logos Toby ( Jacob Robinson ) for the night with her babe Jen ( Violett Beane ) , has her on border .
Henry seems like a nice guy , but what does she really bang about this stranger ? And after have drops to her phone — it starts with eldritch and unsettling meme before escalate to jeopardise text — Violet wonder if he roll in the hay more about her than she think . However , everyone in the eatery is a suspect and Violet is forced to make decisions under pressure or risk the life of her Logos and sister .
Drop Perfectly Balances Intensity & Mystery
To say thatDropis acute is an understatement . The experience is like being on a rollercoaster drive that never really slow up down . For the motion picture to study , however , we need to debar our skepticism about certain things — like how the threatening texter wield to ready up the mics and extra cameras throughout the restaurant and other things I wo n’t spoil here — but Landon ’s film motivate so quickly that there ’s no prison term to dwell on anything and we ’re gratefully advance to be in the moment with Violet rather than in our heads .
credit entry to the production for creating an receptive space that seems to shrink and become more sinister the longer the picture show goes on .
Despite its spry gait , however , Dropknows how to slow down in certain moments . Violet and Henry have some time to chat amidst the gamey - stakes post ( that Henry apparently has no clue he ’s dwell , only that Violet is act strange ) , getting to the honesty and authenticity that beat them chatting on the date app to get down with . Violet is open and vulnerable about aspects of her past times , as the life - threatening circumstances she ’s in elevate her already heighten emotions . Like the audience , Violet does n’t have meter to dwell ; she has to be quick while pretend to have a good time .
The broad restaurant becomes a batting cage she can not fly the coop and Landon and his team make good economic consumption of every corner of the localization . The set , which was built for the film , is chic yet haunting , esthetically beautiful but cold . Credit to the product for creating an undefended space that seems to shrink and become more black the longer the film goes on . Ben Baudhuin ’s redaction is sensational , cutting to well - placed flashback and Violet ’s eyes darting around the room while the relaxation of the eatery ’s node and faculty have a bun in the oven on incognizant . It adds to the anxiety Violet is feel , as does Bear McCreary ’s terrific score .
Meghann Fahy & Brandon Sklenar Are Excellent
Fahy Is Especially Fantastic As The Film Rests On Her Shoulders
To buy into the whole premise , Fahy ’s Violet had to be a well - developed character — and she is . From the start , we get a good sense of who she is and that only evolves further as the film goes on and we learn what truly haunts her . I ’m thrill Fahy is drive more direct theatrical role ; she ’s a skilled actress whose eyes and brass are so expressive . Stuck in a restaurant and at a table with only the casual bowel movement from one area to another , Fahy had to primarily transmit Violet ’s integral worked up spectrum through facial expression and intonation . She cop it at every turn .
The film remain steadfastly on her shoulder in terms of performance . She ’s in every single frame and the pressure of pulling off a compelling portrayal while also work to get out of an awful situation is elusive , but Fahy does all that and more . It ’s telling and she instantly piss Violet someone to root for and care about .
Fahy had to primarily convey Violet ’s integral aroused spectrum through facial expressions and modulation . She nail down it at every number .
Drop follows widowed mother Violet on her first date in years at an upscale restaurant. Initially charmed by her date Henry, Violet’s evening takes an unsettling turn as she becomes increasingly disturbed by a series of anonymous messages sent to her phone, leading to escalating tension and suspense.
Sklenar gets less to do , but his fictional character ’s got his own poppycock going on outside the eatery that plays into the plot . The1923actor came off as a prissy guy , but some moments caught us off - guard and made me enquire what else is there to him . Interestingly , the film subverts out arithmetic mean and the mystery of it all render Sklenar ’s performance a bite of an border — at least up to a sealed point in time .
Fahy and Sklenar are cardinal to the tale , but the supporting cast catch their moments to reflect . Matt ( Jeffery Self ) , the duo ’s waiter , is uproarious and his moments of interaction with the couple bring levity to an otherwise intense film . Cara ( Gabrielle Ryan ) , the bartender , is also fantastic , instantly forming a link with Fahy that number into play later .
Are there aspects ofDropthat seem too commodious and eccentric ? Yes . But that ’s not worth discuss because the film ’s thrill , performances , and pacing are just so good . It ’s an exceptionally fun film that will play well with audiences . It ’s the form of film that not only makes for a with child theatrical experience but will also make you desire to watch it again immediately afterward to see what you missed the first time . I had a heavy time with it , that ’s for sure .
Drophad its premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival . The film is now playing in theaters .
