Zendaya’s ‘The Drama’ Is #1 on Streaming Platforms After ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ and ‘The Odyssey’

Some films make their mark in theaters, create buzz, and then fade into the background. Others, however, continue to resonate, igniting discussions long after the credits roll, and find a fresh audience upon their streaming release. ‘The Drama’ firmly fits into this latter category.

This week, the film’s staying power has become undeniable as it has surged back into the limelight following its debut on streaming platforms. What started as a polarizing theatrical release earlier this year has transformed into a genuine streaming sensation.

According to FlixPatrol data reported by CBR, ‘The Drama’ has officially claimed the title of the most-watched movie on HBO Max in the United States. Within just one day of its release on the platform, it outperformed competitors like ‘The Mummy’ and the new ‘Mortal Kombat’ adaptations.

Written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli, known for ‘Dream Scenario’ and ‘Sick of Myself,’ this black comedy features Zendaya as literary editor Emma Harwood and Robert Pattinson as museum director Charlie Thompson. The plot revolves around an engaged couple whose wedding week spirals out of control due to a shocking revelation that was deliberately kept under wraps.

The film’s premise highlights a seemingly happy couple facing unexpected challenges that threaten to derail their wedding plans. Mamoudou Athie and Alana Haim play pivotal roles as the couple’s best man and maid of honor, whose reactions to the revelation further complicate the situation.

‘The Drama’ first premiered in theaters on April 3, quickly becoming one of A24’s biggest hits, grossing $132 million worldwide against a budget of $28 million. At the time, it ranked as the third highest-grossing film in the studio’s history, following ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ and ‘Marty Supreme.’

The film has received generally positive reviews, holding a 76% score from critics and 78% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. Bill Bria from SlashFilm described it as an “uncomfortable dramedy” showcasing some of the best performances from Zendaya and Pattinson.

This streaming success coincides with a pivotal year for both leads. Zendaya has been busy with roles in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ and ‘The Odyssey,’ while also wrapping up the third season of ‘Euphoria.’ Pattinson has similarly been engaged with ‘The Odyssey’ alongside her. The duo will reunite later this year in Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune: Part Three,’ set to hit theaters on December 18.

Beyond its success on HBO Max in the US, ‘The Drama’ has also been making waves internationally, ranking high on platforms such as Neon TV in New Zealand and Paramount+ in Canada. This global streaming traction indicates that the film’s controversial themes may be drawing viewers in rather than deterring them.

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