“The Drop”

Movie Review

Writer-director Sarah Adina Smith's dramedy, The Drop, is a fascinating look at the genre and what audiences want. Co-written and co-starring Joshua Leonard, the script leaves a lot to be desired at times, but there are some ideas and themes that persist throughout. The performances are excellent all around, with Jermaine Fowler doing his best non-comedy work to date. Anna Konkle has a tricky role and plays with an ease that promises her future in films. The drop has just the right amount of drama and humor.

Mani played by Fowler and Lex played by Konkle are about to leave for Lex's friend and ex-lover Mia's played by Aparna Nancherla wedding. Along the way, the married couple reunites with old acquaintances played by Gillian Bell and Utkarsh Ambudkar and others. Once there, Lex sees Mia's baby and immediately drops the baby on his head. With the wedding party close behind them, it's unclear if they're avoiding Lex or if Lex is self-imposed. With the help of Mani, they finally get over it and try to enjoy the festivities. However, when Mani begins to think about how he always saves Lex, he begins to doubt her abilities as an ally and as a mother.

The first appearance of The Drop and the title sequence are hints that the film will go overboard, and to a certain extent it is right. It needs The Drop to show the audience exactly what kind of movie it is and has the decency to keep the audience engaged while they figure it out for themselves.

The Drop Script's features are a great example of the range creators can explore in dramas. Comedies and dramas are often combined in the service of serious cinema in order to get the green light from the studios. The Drop isn't, and the tone is handled very smoothly throughout the film, so it doesn't tip one way or the other. The final act of The Drop is all drama, but as it builds, it makes perfect sense for where the story ultimately leads.

One of the remarkable things about the film is that it doesn't need good cinematography to make you laugh. One shot, in particular, imagines a kung fu master training in beautiful sunlight. As the camera slowly tracks, we see Fowler lose his marbles while simulating tai-chi. It's these little flourishes that set The Drop apart from other comedy streaming movies. That being said, the entire movie doesn't always line up to that particular scene, through no fault of its own. However, one can't help but feel that the ceiling for the drop is higher than it's portrayed.

Dramedy is a popular but difficult genre these days. The Drop is a solid film that goes back and forth between look and feel. The direction and script between the two genres are effortless. Because the film's developments feel natural, the viewer doesn't have to dig deep to understand and relate to the characters. With a hilarious cast on the same page, The Drop offers enough entertainment.

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