‘Drop’ Is Either Best – or Worst – First-Date Movie

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Who hasn’t had an epically awful first date?

In the gripping thriller “Drop,” the ordeal faced by our protagonist is arguably not surpassed by any other. This chilling tale envisions an extreme situation, complete with an unexpected twist that will undoubtedly leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

Indeed, nothing seems to be going right on what appears to be a disastrous day, yet somehow we find ourselves hoping fervently that this pair will manage to arrange another date together.

That sets this lean shocker apart from lesser fare.

Violet (Meghann Fahy) is longing for a romantic evening out. As a devoted single mother, she prioritizes her charming son Toby above all else. After exchanging flirtatious messages online with a photographer for several weeks, it’s now time for them to finally meet in person.

Brandon Sklenar, or Henry from “Green and Gold,” is an attractive man who appears to be open to romance. The couple has selected a restaurant offering a breathtaking panorama of downtown Chicago, creating a romantic atmosphere.

Instead of Violet’s phone constantly vibrating due to a call from her sister regarding a small issue with her child, it turns out to be a succession of “DigiDrops” (similar to AirDrops) sent from an unknown source within the restaurant.

Check the home security camera feed on your mobile app, the message instructs her. Upon doing so, she spots a masked individual casually wandering inside her house, just a few feet away from Toby.

The stranger demands she do exactly what he requests or lil’ Toby won’t survive the night.

As a captivated viewer, I found myself yearning for the unfolding of the story in the trailer, yet it seems the journey ahead will stretch beyond an hour and a half before we encounter either a revelation or resolution. Director Christopher Landon, renowned for his brilliant work on “Freaky”, skillfully maintains my intrigue while making the seemingly implausible events appear logical and reasonable.

Indeed, it’s likely that many men would leave a restaurant within 15 minutes if a woman was intensely focused on her phone as they were together. The movie takes note of this situation and emphasizes their strong connection. It’s palpable, almost jumping out at you from the screen.

On their date, Violet and Henry arrive with high-quality Samsonite luggage, indicating a seriousness about their encounter. As the narrative unfolds, hints of her past subtly emerge, offering insights into her character. Meanwhile, he appears apprehensive, and gradually, his reservations become clearer. Violet’s backstory is more substantial, implying a history that adds emotional depth to the storyline, making it more engaging.

In my perspective, this movie swiftly transitions from the bizarre and dreamlike to the utterly ridiculous at an astonishing pace. But believe it or not, the most explosive scenes of the third act are still to come.

Screenwriters Jillian Jacobs and Christopher Roach fill the restaurant with peculiar characters, ones that alleviate stress and subtly advance the storyline. Among these characters are a somewhat anxious, middle-aged man on a solo blind date and a spirited bartender who doubles as Violet’s confidante.

Plus, Violet’s server is a wannabe actor who thinks he’s “performing” for the new couple.

Funny. Engaging. And necessary given the tension in play with every new “DigiDrop.”

I guarantee you’ll find yourself uttering a frustrated “Oh, come ON” at least once when encountering “Drop”. The plot is far-fetched, and the performance leaves much to be desired, making it hard not to chuckle.

It’s unfortunate, but right from the beginning, the screenwriters have a skill for merging unbelievable scenarios with instances that seem incredibly authentic.

The blend at “Drop” is definitely worth making a reservation. Keep in mind, if you’re planning to bring a date, the evening might even turn out better than what’s unfolding on the screen!

Hit or Miss: The movie “Drop” offers some mind-bending plot twists that might make you wince, however, its captivating heart makes it an irresistible watch.

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2025-04-09 20:03