Violet (Meghann Fahy) attempts to move on from the trauma of a past relationship by agreeing to a first date with Henry (Brandon Sklenar), a handsome man that she’s been talking to via a dating app. Encouraged by her sister Jen (Violett Beane), who offers to look after Violet’s young son Toby (Jacob Robinson), Violet nervously arrives for her date and minutes after sitting down at a table with a stunning view, she starts receiving mysterious drops via her phone. Initially thinking the drops are a mistake, it soon becomes clear that someone in the restaurant wants to torment Violet and they’re prepared to threaten the safety of her family to ensure she co-operates.
‘Drop’ was released in cinemas earlier this year and despite positive reviews from the critics, it didn’t perform as strongly as hoped at the box office. At a time when film goers are complaining about the lack of original films in cinemas and simultaneously not bothering to go and watch them when they do get released, a film like ‘Drop’ has slipped through the cracks. High art it may not be, and it’s not particularly sophisticated, but ‘Drop’ is a gripping thriller that is thoroughly entertaining and hugely enjoyable. With no political or social messaging shoe-horned in (we’re looking at you ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ and ‘Superman’), ‘Drop’ is exactly what cinema is supposed to be – pure escapism of the turn your brain off, grab the popcorn and go with it kind.
The setup is preposterous – of course it is – but if you accept it and commit to the ride, you’ll find that ‘Drop’ is a hell of a lot of fun. A harrowing opening scene depicting spousal abuse, introduces you to Violet, the woman at the centre of the film who is going to find herself in a full circle moment. Already struggling to move past her trauma, and trying to help other women deal with theirs, Violet is reluctant to put herself out there. Three months of conversation with Henry has gradually worn her down, and with the push of her sister Jen, she agrees to the date and struggles to hide her panic. Henry arriving late doesn’t help but once the drops begin, Violet is left wondering if her date is the perpetrator, or is it someone else in the restaurant?
At only 95-minutes in length, the film moves with pace and there’s no opportunity to be bored. Like Violet, you scrutinise every character that appears in a desperate bid to find out who is behind her ordeal. As Violet learns that her family is in danger, her tormentor steps up their demands leading Violet to behave erratically, which Henry has no idea how to read. What follows is honestly very silly but I didn’t care. I was right there with Violet trying to figure out what was going on and I stayed with her until the film’s final moments. Is this a realistic film? Absolutely not. It is an adrenaline rush of the kind I thought film-makers had forgotten how to make? Absolutely.
Meghann Fahy and Brandon Sklenar elevate the material here. Both actors are likeable, have plenty of charisma and they are good at what they do. The early scenes when they first meet are the right mixture of cute and awkward, and they are forced to bond quickly, which is actually pretty believable. Fahy carries the majority of the film and she’s a great leading lady, mining Violet’s emotions and strength, when the plot calls for it.
I had such a fun time with ‘Drop’ that I can’t wait to watch it again. If you watch the film through a realistic lens, you’ll find plenty to moan about but if you just enjoy the ride, you’ll have a lot of fun. Director Christopher Landon knows how to deliver a zippy thriller, and his style is all over this film. ‘Drop’ should have done better at the box office and the format could easily lend itself to future films, either with the same characters or a completely new cast. This is the most fun I’ve had watching a film in ages!
Cast: Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Violett Beane, Reed Diamond, Jacob Robinson Director: Christopher Landon Writers: Jillian Jacobs & Chris Roach Certificate: 15 Duration: 95 mins Released by: Universal Pictures Release date: 14th July 2025 Buy ‘Drop’ now
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