DROP
Starring: Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Violett Beane, Reed Diamond, Jacob Robinson, Jeffrey Self, and Gabrielle Ryan
Director: Christopher Landon
ADRIANO
Bigger doesn't always equal better, as perfectly evidenced by Drop, because with its very simple concept, the movie accomplishes a whole lot. The interesting plot is easy to follow, and it makes way for some very exciting stylistic editing and lighting choices. The funny and intense script left me on the edge of my seat, too. It even has a sincere message about PTSD amongst abuse survivors that Meghann Fahy plays amazingly. Admittedly, the third act goes way off the walls, but I had already had too much fun by that point.
AMARÚ
Director Christopher Landon puts on a clinic of atmosphere with his latest Blumhouse release, Drop. He utilizes great lighting, camera angles, and a slow ramp in pace to transition the thriller from an intense whodunit? (or in this case, who is it?) with an old-school mystery feel to an exhilarating horror slasher. Hints of pulp enhance performances from a mostly fresh-faced cast led by the great chemistry between Meghann Fahy and Brandon Sklenar. With a tight script in an even tighter 100-minute runtime, Drop is a more than worthy April watch leading up to the blockbuster season.
NICK
Although the trailer for Drop looked a little cheesy, I gave it the benefit of the doubt because of director Christopher Landon's previous work. It's certainly better than it looked, but it’s still missing something. Perhaps it's the lack of any standout performances, or maybe it's just that the self-aware humour doesn't often hit. There are moments within this that are entertaining, and I think the premise could have made for a terrific short film, but as it is, it didn’t fully grab me. It's clear what this film wanted me to feel, and it didn’t succeed in doing that, so I found it underwhelming.
BODE
Director Christopher Landon has built a career off of high concept horror (Happy Death Day, Freaky, etc.) that balances tongue-in-cheek humour with genuine earnestness, earning him a deserved cult following in the process. Drop, his latest film, is a departure from that, as a mostly single-location thriller that relies on building tension. Turns out Landon is good at that too, taking a tight script, and injecting it with plenty of style, momentum, and sincerity (the latter helped by Meghann Fahy and Brandon Sklenar’s grounded performances). If you’re looking for a fun time, Drop delivers.
PAIGE
Drop very much feels like a contained, Hitchcockian throwback, as what could’ve been a cliché thriller about the awkwardness of first dates turns out to be a well-paced, twisted take on just how dreadful they can really be (especially when there’s a third party involved). Is it a bit cheesy and excessive at times? Yes, but it’s an enjoyable watch thanks to the undeniable chemistry between its two leads, Meghann Fahy and Brandon Sklenar. As the movie progresses, the focus smartly shifts from “Who is sending these airdrops?” to “Why are they doing it?“, which makes it all the more entertaining.
