First dates are horrifying. Often a mix of excitement and anxiety, they’re more than just an evening out; they’re a chance to connect, to spark something new, and, inevitably, to put yourself out there. It’s a dance of curiosity and vulnerability, where the stakes often feel higher than they actually are.
And then there’s the restaurant scenario. The lighting is soft, the server is attentive, and the other patrons? They become an unintended audience. You might catch a curious glance from the next table or feel the quiet hum of speculation from a corner booth. While their quiet observations aren’t quite a spotlight, it can feel like you're on a stage, playing out your story for strangers who are eager to project their guesses on how the night will unfold.
And what if, during that first date, your phone starts lighting up with some anonymous guest airdropping creepy memes. Well, that’s exactly what once happened to Cameron Fuller and Sam Lerner, producers of the new film Drop, who then turned the experience into one of the creepiest and most original little horror-thriller flicks of the year.
Meghann Fahy (“The White Lotus”) stars as Violet, a widowed mother cautiously stepping back into the unpredictable world of dating. What begins as a promising first date with Henry (played by Brandon Sklenar, Midway) at an upscale downtown restaurant quickly becomes a nightmare when Violet receives a cryptic message on her phone. What seems playful at first rapidly shifts to something far more sinister as the chilling messages escalate in intensity and threat.
The situation spirals out of control, transforming a seemingly ordinary date into a tense hostage standoff in the heart of a bustling restaurant. With limited options and the lives of her loved ones hanging in the balance, Violet must confront her deepest fears and summon incredible resilience to survive.
Noted for her memorable performance in “The White Lotus,” Fahy shines as a widow caught in a harrowing situation where every decision feels like life or death. Her fragility and inner turmoil cement her as the emotional core of the story, as she navigates fear and desperation while her loved ones’ lives hang precariously in the balance. Simply put, Fahy makes every second of Drop work.
Working from a script by Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach, Christopher Landon’s direction keeps the film at a tight pace, gripping the audience from start to finish in what is essentially a one-setting setup. His inventive use of filmmaking tools—including text messages on the screen, grainy security camera footage, and the chaotic backdrop of a bustling upscale restaurant—creates a visual language dripping with suspense and intrigue. These flourishes give the story a modern and dynamic edge, reflecting the complexities of anxiety-inducing decisions in today's interconnected world.
Drop takes a unique tangent by exploring the awkwardness and peculiarities of online dating. These moments are surprisingly funny and humanizing, underscoring vulnerability even in dire circumstances. It’s a delicate balance of humor and dread that Landon executes with impressive finesse.
Though one could argue we’re asked to suspend critical thinking at the prevalence of a few too many shooting victims who ultimately survive their gut shots, the film’s energy and momentum never waver. The action-packed climax is both thrilling and satisfying. Did not see that coming!
Ultimately, Drop is a beautifully crafted thriller with heart and substance. With its gripping narrative, clever direction, and a standout lead in Meghann Fahy, it’s a must-watch.
MPAA Rating: PG-13.
Runtime: 100 mins
Director: Christopher Landon
Writer: Jillian Jacobs; Chris Roach
Cast: Meghann Fahy; Brandon Sklenar; Violett Beane
Genre: Mystery | Thriller
Tagline: Everyone's a Suspect
Memorable Movie Quote: "I mean, you are the first guy who didn't ask for feet pics."
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Official Site: https://www.facebook.com/DropTheMovie/
Release Date: April 11, 2025
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: A widowed mother's first date in years takes a terrifying turn when she's bombarded with anonymous threatening messages on her phone during their upscale dinner, leaving her questioning if her charming date is behind the harassment.
