If you’re looking for a pulse-pounding thriller to grip your attention from the get-go, “Drop” might not quite fit the bill. But if you’re open to a tech-horror flick that slowly builds tension before throwing you into a chaotic whirlpool of suspense, this film is for you.
Directed by Christopher Landon (the mind behind “Happy Death Day”), “Drop” takes an intriguing concept – digital paranoia – and wraps it in sleek Chicago skyline aesthetics. But does it deliver on its promise of tension, thrills, and emotional depth? Let’s dive into it.
First Dates & Fatal Choices
The plot centres on Violet (Meghann Fahy), a widow and trauma counselor, who steps into the terrifying world of modern dating. On her first date in years, she meets Henry (Brandon Sklenar), the quintessential “golden retriever guy” – charming, sweet, and about as safe as they come. Just when things start to get awkwardly flirtatious, Violet gets an anonymous message through a new proximity-based app called DigiDrop: “Kill your date, or your son dies.”
That’s where “Drop” really starts to play with the idea of digital vulnerability. The app functions like AirDrop or Quick Share – only instead of sharing cute pictures of your cat, it’s a death threat. The killer is nearby, and they’re in the restaurant. You’re not just paranoid about who’s watching you; now, you have to wonder who’s plotting your demise.
DigiDrop is one of the most interesting elements of the film. The app sends messages to devices within a 50-foot radius, meaning the threat is someone in the immediate vicinity. This creates an undercurrent of constant suspicion that taps into our digital anxieties.
Who’s lurking too close to your phone? The waiter? The couple in the corner? The host? Suddenly, everyone seems a little too suspicious.
A Restaurant With No Soul
The entire film takes place inside “Palate”, a fancy skyscraper restaurant with a polished, minimalist aesthetic. It’s luxury without personality – like the kind of spot you’d see on Instagram but never actually want to dine at. The sterile, almost lifeless atmosphere works well for the film’s claustrophobic tension. You get the sense that no one’s actually enjoying their meal (which, by the way, is more unsettling than the entire murder plot).
While the setting might feel a little limited, it helps establish the urgency. The characters can’t leave. They’re trapped in this high-rise, unable to escape the looming threat. The longer they stay, the more their paranoia heightens, turning every gesture and glance into a potential warning.
A Slow Build To Chaos
“Drop”’s pacing is where things get a bit tricky. The first half of the film is incredibly slow. It’s a slow burn that, at times, feels like it’s dragging. You’re sitting there, waiting for something – anything – to happen. Then, about halfway through, the pace suddenly shifts, and you’re plunged into a chaotic mess of fast-moving twists, high stakes, and confusion. The tone change is jarring, but it’s exactly when you start to notice the film’s emotional punch.
And then, out of nowhere, the twist hits. It’s not something you see coming, and honestly, it’s what saves the film from its earlier pacing issues. The surprise is enough to pull you back into the story, even if it leaves some loose ends and unanswered questions.
Meghann Fahy & Jeffrey Self Steal The Show
Meghann Fahy’s portrayal of Violet is the emotional heart of “Drop”. She anchors the film with a performance full of internal panic, grit, and vulnerability. As Violet races against time, Fahy’s performance keeps you invested. You feel her fear, her determination, and her hope. She’s an empathetic character in the middle of a nightmarish scenario, and you can’t help but root for her.
Jeffrey Self, on the other hand, plays the shady waiter who adds some much-needed comic relief and mystery. With minimal screen time, he brings just the right amount of charm and suspicion to his role. Honestly, the film could’ve used more of him.
Digital Dependency & Modern Trauma
At its core, “Drop” is a reflection of modern-day fears – how dependent we’ve become on technology and how easily it can be used to manipulate us. It explores themes of emotional trauma and the precariousness of modern dating. While the film hints at these larger ideas, it never really dives in deep enough. There’s a lot of potential to make this a gripping psychological commentary, but it often gets bogged down by the chase for the twist rather than unpacking the emotional weight of the situation.
In the end, “Drop” doesn’t quite hit all the marks it sets out to, but it’s an enjoyable ride nonetheless. It’s a popcorn thriller that you can easily watch on a lazy night. It’s messy, it’s a bit dumb at times, but it’s definitely intense. If you can forgive its pacing issues and its surface-level exploration of its themes, you might find yourself caught up in the suspense and drama.
For those who love digital paranoia mixed with a healthy dose of suspense, “Drop” offers a chaotic yet thrilling ride. It’s not perfect, but it does deliver enough to keep you engaged.
“Drop” is currently showing in cinemas nationwide!
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