A First Date from Hell
Nothing says “romance” like a first date where your phone starts receiving threatening messages, and you're forced to poison your date—or else. That's the premise of Drop, the latest thriller from director Christopher Landon, and it's as wild as it sounds. But don't let the absurdity fool you; this movie is a masterclass in suspense, blending modern tech paranoia with classic Hitchcockian tension. If you thought your last first date was bad, wait until you see Drop.
Premiering at the SXSW 2025 Film & TV Festival, Drop was one of the most crowd-pleasing films, eliciting laughter, wild applause, and plenty of gasps. It's the kind of movie that grabs you from the opening scene and doesn't let go, like a rollercoaster with no brakes. But what makes Drop more than just a thrill ride? It's the perfect storm of stellar performances, tight pacing, and a premise that taps into our deepest digital-age fears.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Buzz
Critics have showered Drop with praise for its efficient storytelling and ability to balance intensity with mystery. Brian Tallerico of Roger Ebert called it an “efficient thrill ride” that “knows what it wants to do and doesn't waste time.” The Guardian reviewer noted that Meghann Fahy “lands a killer star vehicle with a fun, seat-edge piece of pulp entertainment,” while Variety's Siddhant Adlakha described it as a “crisp and delicious” thriller that combines “tech paranoia and abuse” to create something “taut and entertaining” (Variety).
The film's SXSW premiere was a hit, with audiences reacting fervently to its twists and turns. As one reviewer from Horror Movie Blog put it, “I held my breath through the third act and I was entertained!” The buzz is real, and Drop is shaping up to be a theatrical experience you won't want to miss.
A Modern Twist on the One-Location Thriller
Drop isn't just another one-location thriller; it's a commentary on the anxieties of modern dating and the pervasive fear of technology. Set entirely in an upscale restaurant—built specifically for the film—the movie uses its confined space to heighten tension, much like classics such as Red Eye (IMDb) and Phone Booth (IMDb). But Drop adds a contemporary twist with its use of anonymous messages and home security cameras, making the stakes feel personal and immediate.
The restaurant itself becomes a character, transforming from a chic, open space into a sinister cage as the night progresses. Critics have praised the production design, with ScreenRant noting that the set “seems to shrink and become more sinister the longer the film goes on.” Editor Ben Baudhuin's sharp cuts and composer Bear McCreary's evocative score amplify the anxiety, creating a sensory experience that's both thrilling and unsettling.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Setting | Upscale restaurant, built for the film, transforms into a claustrophobic trap |
| Key Themes | Tech paranoia, modern dating anxieties, survivor resilience |
| Cinematic Influences | Red Eye, Phone Booth, Hitchcockian suspense |
| Standout Elements | Meghann Fahy's performance, tight pacing, evocative score |
Meghann Fahy Steals the Show
At the heart of Drop is Meghann Fahy's powerhouse performance as Violet, a widowed mother navigating her first date in years. Fahy, known for her roles in The White Lotus (IMDb) and The Perfect Couple (IMDb), brings striking immediacy to Violet, making her a character audiences instantly root for. As Tallerico notes, Fahy “never lets the film fall, becoming partners with the audience in nightmare” (Roger Ebert).
Stuck in a restaurant with limited movement, Fahy conveys Violet's emotional spectrum through facial expressions and intonation, a feat that critics have universally praised. The Guardian highlights her “dialed-in” performance, noting that she finds “a role worthy of her talent for glimpsing unseen depths” (Guardian). Violet's backstory as a survivor of abuse adds depth, making her resilience all the more compelling.
Brandon Sklenar, as Henry, complements Fahy with a charming yet enigmatic presence. Their chemistry provides the emotional anchor for the film, transforming it into a romantic thriller that's as much about human connection as it is about suspense. As Variety puts it, audiences are left “rooting for their second chance at connection” (Variety).
Christopher Landon's Directorial Prowess
Director Christopher Landon, known for Happy Death Day (IMDb) and Freaky (IMDb), proves his versatility with Drop. Unlike his previous horror-comedy ventures, this film is a grounded thriller that leans into suspense and character drama. Working with a script by Jillian Jacobs and Christopher Roach, Landon crafts a cohesive vision that never takes itself too seriously but still delivers genuine thrills.
Critics have lauded Landon's ability to balance the absurd with the grounded. The Guardian praises the film's “crispness to the proceedings,” noting its “enjoyable but not unbearably stressful” tone (Guardian). His collaboration with editor Ben Baudhuin and composer Bear McCreary elevates the film, with sharp cuts and a haunting score that keep the tension high.
Not Without Flaws
No movie is perfect, and Drop has its share of criticisms. Some reviewers note that the plotting can feel a bit nonsensical, with Tallerico admitting that “the entire plan is a little nuts if one spends too long thinking about it” (Roger Ebert). The reveal of the true villain has been called underwhelming by multiple critics, and The Guardian points out that the film “takes a few too ludicrous steps,” though it “mostly sticks the landing” (Guardian).
Additionally, some have criticized the film's use of text-on-screen for the anonymous messages, which The Guardian calls “cheap and silly” (Guardian). The plot's repetitive back-and-forth between following instructions and seeking help can also feel redundant, though Variety notes that “formal flourishes” mitigate this issue (Variety).
Despite these flaws, the consensus is that Drop's entertainment value and strong performances overshadow its shortcomings. As JoBlo puts it, “Are there aspects of Drop that seem too convenient and outlandish? Yes. But that's not worth discussing because the film's thrills, performances, and pacing are just so good.”
A Cultural Phenomenon
Drop is more than just a thriller; it's a cultural phenomenon that taps into our collective fears and fascinations. It's a movie that will have you checking your phone twice and thinking twice about that next first date. Like a well-crafted cocktail, it mixes the old-fashioned charm of Hitchcock with the new-fashioned dread of digital surveillance—think Rear Window (IMDb) meets a hacked dating app.
The film also offers sharp commentary on societal issues, particularly the challenges faced by survivors of abuse. As Roger Ebert notes, it provides “sharp commentary on abused women trapped by a system that doesn't hear them” (Roger Ebert). This layer of depth elevates Drop beyond mere entertainment, making it a conversation starter as well as a thrill ride.
Why You Should Watch It
Drop is the kind of film that demands to be seen on the big screen, where its tension and atmosphere can fully envelop you. Its tight 90-minute runtime ensures there's no filler, delivering a lean, mean thriller that doesn't overstay its welcome. As DiscussingFilm puts it, “Drop is a stand out in [Landon's] impressive filmography, bringing a clever thriller premise to life with cunning visuals and fun energy.”
Whether you're a fan of suspense, character-driven dramas, or just looking for a fun night at the movies, Drop delivers. It's a film that not only entertains but also leaves you wanting to watch it again to catch the clues you missed the first time. Don't miss out on this rollercoaster of a film—catch Drop in theaters now.
Would you risk your family's safety for a stranger? Comment below and let us know what you think of Drop!
Check out the full quote, bio, and film details here: justwatch.com/us/movie/drop-2025#christopher-landon
