About the film (courtesy of Universal Pictures):
First dates are nerve-wracking enough. Going on a first date while an unnamed, unseen troll pings you personal memes that escalate from annoying to homicidal? Blood-chilling.
Drop is Christopher Landon’s latest foray into the realm of campy horror thrills. If you’re a fan of his previous work, like the Happy Death Day flicks or Freaky (2020), you’ll find a familiar, if slightly less sharp, ride here. Landon’s signature blend of horror and humor is present, but it doesn’t quite hit the same highs.
The premise, while not groundbreaking, provides a solid foundation for the kind of chaotic fun Landon excels at. The strength of Drop lies in its ensemble cast of lesser-known actors such as Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Violett Beane, Jacob Robinson, Reed Diamond, Gabrielle Ryan, Jeffery Self, Ed Weeks and Travis Nelson. This allows for a delightful sense of uncertainty; no one feels safe, and everyone becomes a potential suspect or victim. This approach works well, keeping you guessing and engaged throughout the 100-minute runtime. With no A-listers to steal the spotlight, the narrative unfolds organically, letting the suspense build without the distraction of star power.
However, Drop isn’t without its flaws. The characters, while entertaining, often make decisions that stretch the bounds of believability. If you’re looking for sophisticated, nuanced character development, you won’t find it here. Instead, you’ll get a series of questionable choices that propel the plot forward, much like a rollercoaster built on shaky foundations. But, as I always say, if the ride is fun, does it really matter?
Audiences will that the humor in Drop is hit-or-miss. Some moments land perfectly, eliciting genuine laughs, while others feel forced or predictable. The horror elements are serviceable, providing enough jump scares and suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat, but they don’t break any new ground. It’s a comfortable, familiar experience, like a well-worn pair of sneakers – reliable, but not particularly exciting.
Ultimately, Drop is a solid popcorn flick. It’s the kind of movie you watch with friends, enjoying the absurd situations and the occasional well-executed scare. Just remember to leave your critical thinking at the door and embrace the silliness. It’s not going to win any awards, but it delivers on its promise of entertainment. For a casual movie night, it fits the bill.
Drop is in theaters starting this Friday, April 11. Remember, just because people keep looking at their phones all throughout the course of this film, they’re paid to do it..and you’re paying to WATCH them do it. No one is paying to see your phone screens in a dark theaters, so don’t be that person. This is my public service plea bring back some civility to cinemas. Thank you.
