[Film Review] Drop

Do you like thrillers that mostly take place in a single setting? How about thrillers where the main character is faced with a crucial dilemma? Ones where an ominous entity gives the protagonist a series of cruel commands? Drop checks all of those boxes. Coming from Christopher Landon, the director of the clever Happy Death Day slasher series, this film is a fun and focused take on a high-concept “What if?” scenario.  

Early on, we meet Violet (Meghann Fahy), a widowed single mother who has arranged a first date with a guy named Henry (Brandon Sklenar), whom she met on a dating app. When they take their table at what we humble folk would call a very fancy restaurant, things get weird. Here’s the gist: She receives a text message that essentially says: “Do what I say or your child gets killed.” From this moment on, she is forced to take tenacious steps in order to spare her child, all while risking looking like the worst date in history. 

Considering the film's incorporation of smartphone apps, memes, and social media-driven lingo, you could definitely call this a first-date thriller for the millennial generation. Its tech-savvy spin feels fitting for the times. The narrative sparks plenty of intrigue from the get-go, and it’ll make you want to stick around to know what happens next, who exactly is behind this sinister scheme, and how it will all turn out in the end. 

The plot escalates in an effectively suspenseful way, and the overall vibe of this outing is uncomfortable, awkward, and dangerous all at once — to the point where it might have you squirming in your own seat. With each message sent, the stakes are upped. Let’s just say that the wine isn’t the only red that is spilled here. And as you’d expect, the evening’s dessert is topped off with some big twists. 

One thing you can definitely say about this date: It’s never boring. So here’s a toast to Drop. 

( 7.5/10 )