From Disturbia and Heart Eyes director Christopher Landon comes Drop, a suspenseful thriller that keeps you guessing within minutes of the film’s beginning. Meghann Fahy (The White Lotus) shines as Violet, a widowed mother that has finally decided to hop back out into the dating scene. After a few months of chatting, she agrees to go on a date with Henry, played by the current internet’s boyfriend, Brandon Sklenar (This Ends With Us). Shortly after she enters the fancy restaurant set in the beautiful night sky of Chicago, she begins receiving drops, something similar to what we know as AirDrops.
What at first seems like an annoying prank turns into personal threats as Violet is instructed to check her cameras at home, only to see someone lurking within with her son and sister inside. Things ramp up as she is forced to obey the tasks being sent to her all while attempting to pretend everything is perfectly fine in front of her date. It is key to highlight the chemistry between Fahy and Sklenar as their characters are both putting forth a lot of effort to make the date work. They both have reasons for being back on the market so it’s obvious they really like each other. While Fahy is a solid lead, it’s refreshing to see Sklenar in another role after This Ends With Us, further reminding us that he is set to take over Hollywood similar to how Glen Powell did when he burst onto the scene. Important to note that he plays an extremely perfect gentleman.
One thing that adds to the film is the ambiance as every bit of the restaurant is utilized and plays a part. From the girl’s girl of a bartender to the hilarious waiter (the comedic relief in a high tension situation), each character we meet contributes to the story in some way. It plays out like Colin Farrel’s Phone Booth, except in a more upscale space with less claustrophobia. I can’t recall the last time I was this invested in seeing where the story goes or even the twists and turns we are taken on. Landon hits his mark with an exhilarating flick that highlights the many advancements of technology and how convenient it is to contact a stranger nearby.
Drop keeps you entertained the entire runtime without a second of boredom. You find yourself trying to guess who is harassing Violet with the intention of discovering it before the film ultimately reveals their identity. The creative display of the texts across the screen as she receives them add to the visuals that make this film unique. They also touch on the idea that both characters are exactly how they appear on the dating apps, something often painted as rare with so many creeps or catfish. Drop turned out to be my favorite film from the festival and will make for a fun and exciting time at the theater. It had it’s premiere at this year’s SXSW and was met with my claps and gasps.
Movie: Drop
Release date: April 11, 2025
Director: Christopher Landon
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Cast: Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Violett Beane, Jacob Robinson, Ed Weeks
Run time: 1 hr 40 mins
Rating: 8/10
