SXSW Review: Drop
SXSW isn’t just the home for indie premieres, it also includes the gusto of larger studio releases as well. This year’s lineup features the latest from Christopher Landon, a marquee horror/thriller voice in the industry. Landon opened up about his deep connection to the host city, Austin, Texas. He recollected how 20 years he moved to Austin expecting to give up on his dreams of being a filmmaker. He began working towards his Real Estate license while simultaneously squeezing his way into the local film community. It reinvigorated his passion for cinema, and it led to his writing of the Disturbia screenplay, which became a commercial success in 2007 and, as they say, “the rest is history”. Landon has gone on to writer and direct numerous entries in the Paranormal Activity franchise, as well as both Happy Death Day films, and even the recent-ish horror hit, Freaky.
But last night marked the World Premiere for Christopher Landon’s latest foray into the suspense and thriller genres with his upcoming Universal release, Drop. The film follows a single mother named Violet (played by White Lotus’ Meghann Fahy) whose reluctance to jump back into the arena of online dating is understandable, following years of abuse and trauma at the hands of her deceased ex-husband. Yet, she finally decides to take a chance on a first date with a charming bachelor named Henry (It Ends with Us’ Brandon Sklenar), but the evening immediately devolves into a hellish nightmare when Violet receives mysterious drops on her phone from someone in the restaurant making fatal demands.
Drop serves as a worthwhile edge-of-your-seat thriller that’s unpredictable and entertaining. Writers Jillian Jacobs and Christopher Roach offer a heady screenplay that keeps the mystery close to its vest and the intrigue at atmospheric levels. It’s clever in its pacing and deliberate in its details, delivering both red herrings and useful clues all throughout. And although Drop does very little to break the mold, it still manages to achieve its goals and have a bit of fun along the way.
Rising stars Meghann Fahy and Brandon Sklenar exemplify their characters well. To be clear, Drop isn’t a script written for awards shows, its characters are thinly developed within the story, but both acting talents certainly enhance their personas with veteran-like nuance. The movie navigates through a main concept of control, and the cerebral battle between puppet and master for the upper hand naturally feeds into this central theme. It’s also mirrored through Violet’s backstory as a victim of trauma, trapped and under the directive of her abuser. But as she managed to escape from that violent past, it gives her the strength to literally fight to save herself and her family once again. There’s an inspiring message of hope tucked deep within this haunting thrill ride.
Christopher Landon has been on an impressive streak with his Happy Death Day franchise, Freaky, and now Drop. He’s mastered the art of well-executed and suspenseful popcorn entertainment. It’s a great thing for Hollywood, movie theaters, and moviegoers alike. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the experience.
GRADE: 3.5 stars out of 5
