Most of us have been on terrible first dates. However, nothing compares to the horrid and deadly first date that's at the center of director Christopher Landon's latest feature, Drop. While Landon's newest release isn't a straight-up horror movie like his Happy Death Day films or Freaky, it's still a gripping thriller with visual flair and clever camera work, both hallmarks of the director's work.
The movie stars Meghann Fahy as Violet, a widowed mom who was also stuck in an abusive relationship, the extent of which is shown in the unnerving opening minutes when Violet's husband aims a gun at her head after physically assaulting her. The rest of the film does a good job handling the aftermath of that shocking opening and Violet's trauma. She's not a one-note protagonist.
Hoping to move on with her life and the grisly events of the film's harrowing opening, Violet agrees to a date with a handsome photographer named Henry (Brandon Sklenar). They've been texting for months after meeting on a dating app. The restaurant, Palate, is a swanky Chicago joint with several high-end patrons. Before Henry arrives, Violet receives unnerving drops on her phone, threatening Toby and Violet's sister, Jen (Violett Beane), who is charged with babysitting Toby. It then becomes a race against time to uncover who is behind the threats.
Landon, working with a script penned by Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach, does an excellent job making viewers guess who might be tormenting Violet. Her stalker watches her every move, sending one menacing drop after another. She has no privacy and essentially has to play the game. If she doesn't, a masked man armed with a pistol will murder Toby. Landon frequently pans in on restaurant-goers texting on their phones, as the camera moves through Palate and its dozens of tables. Everyone's a suspect, and it's tough to guess who's responsible.
While Drop is an edge-of-your-seat thriller, there are still dashes of humor, reminiscent of Landon's other films. The awkwardness of a first date is really conveyed, even if Violet and Henry have genuine chemistry. They just can't settle into a groove or an easy conversation. It doesn't help that Violet's phone keeps buzzing with one drop after the other, or that they have an over-the-top waiter eager to share one too many details about his life. The humor works in an otherwise tense film.
Meanwhile, the film bursts with eye-popping visuals and impressive camera work. Drop really deserves to be seen on the big screen, and it's nice to see Landon helm a larger project that looks so good. The film's only weak point lies in why Violet is targeted in the first place. Violet gets caught in the middle of something and she's forced to make a decision to save her kid and sister. The will she-or-won't-she premise ups an already nerve-jangling movie.
Overall, Drop is an enjoyable time at the movies. This is a slightly sleeker and bigger film for Landon, but it still contains his trademark humor, striking visuals, and inventive camera work. Like he's done with the slasher genre, Landon elevates what otherwise could have been a ho-hum thriller with a few clever twists and some of his trademark tools. Go see this one at the theater!
Drop lands in theaters on Friday.
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