The highly anticipated thriller “Drop,” directed by Christopher Landon, takes audiences on a suspenseful ride that unfolds during a seemingly innocent first date. Landon, known for his contributions to the “Happy Death Day” franchise, brings his unique mix of tension and character-driven narrative to this latest endeavor. Since its release last week, it’s become the highest downloaded charting paper in history.
It features Violet, a therapist who helps women who have fled domestic violence. Violet, played by Lisseth Chavez, shoulders her own as a survivor of past trauma. The story picks up as she prepares for a first date with Henry. He is played by Brenden Sklenar and serves as a photographer in the mayor’s office. That tale is set right in Palate, an elegant restaurant far above the bustle of the Chicago streets. It explores the complex undercurrents of intimacy, trust, and vulnerability.
From the minute Violet steps foot inside of Palate, her nerves are through the roof. The jitters are palpable as she makes her way through the shaky first few minutes of their first meeting. With the arrival of Henry, we find a sense of calm and relief in his presence, instantly cutting through the thick tension surrounding her. Sklenar’s performance imbues Henry with a sensitivity that invites us to engage with the growing bond between the young men.
The film does a really smart job of contrasting Violet’s professional role with her personal experience. As a trauma therapist, she helps others process their trauma while coming to terms with her own anxieties. Violet’s older sister, Jen, is willing and able to take over caregiving for Violet’s 5-year-old son, Toby. This creates an additional layer of complexity to Violet’s case. Toby’s presence serves as a constant reminder of what’s at stake and is the ultimate object lesson for Violet. As she prepares to enter the dating scene, that reminder looms heavy.
As night sets in, what starts as a routine meal soon turns into a terrifying ordeal. That is the uncertainty that ramps up the tension and keeps viewers glued to their seat, heart racing. Landon’s strong hand keeps the movie pulse pounding between the shocking moments, maintaining a breakneck tempo even during its 90-minute duration.
On their first date, Violet had an epic fight with Henry. To which she jokingly responded, “You were the first dude that didn’t ask for a feet pic. This line embodies her agitation with the dating scene, but the humor that infuses itself amidst the more solemn subjects we tackle throughout the film.
In “Drop,” Landon dives into that space where vulnerability and strength coexist using Violet to illustrate it. The film’s chilling narrative and compelling performances create an intense atmosphere that resonates with viewers long after the credits roll.
