Drop
review by Bobby Blakey
Director Christopher Landon has wracked up an impressive resume with films including Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones, Happy Death Day 1 & 2 and Freaky. Now he is back with his latest film Drop starring Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Violett Beane, Reed Diamond, Gabrielle Ryan, Ed Weeks, and Jeffery Self. Could this film bring the tension and mystery that it promises, or will it be a message not worth answering?
Drop follows a widowed mother on her first date in years, who arrives at an upscale restaurant where she is relieved that her date, Henry is more charming and handsome than she expected. But their chemistry begins to curdle as Violet begins being irritated and then terrorized by a series of anonymous drops to her phone.
Being a fan of these kinds of movies and Landon’s work, I was looking forward to this flick, but was another case of did they spoil it and how it will work to stay compelling in this format? While the film isn’t breaking down any walls in the genre it is still well crafted and works great to deliver a worthwhile thriller.
The film dives right back letting you know that there is some intense history to our leading lady and will surely play into the deadly game to come. Once it moves into the date, we start meeting all the players in the story and the mystery officially begins. Knowing the torment that is coming via drop images and messages you instantly start suspecting everyone and it is crafted well enough that all have moments that make them clearly not the person, but also times that pull you back into their direction.
It's a game of cat and mouse that could have easily worn thin in this smaller location, but it is cleverly thought out and executed in a way you can buy into. Sure, there are always some moments that aren’t totally believable or
understand why someone would tolerate that to keep it moving, but you let it go and just go along for the ride. Fahy and Sklenar have great chemistry, and you tend to understand why he would sit through the chaos of her behavior on this first date.
The final act and twist reveal is great even though you might see it coming easily and does fall into some cliché tropes, but nothing that ruined the film for me. There is a great moment in the final moments that teases more and then doesn’t all at once that had me laughing how it kind of pokes fun at these kinds of films setting up franchises.
Drop is a good thriller that is worth checking out once again showcasing Landon’s mastery for these kinds of stories. Decide for yourself and check out Drop in theaters now.