Drop Review: Meghann Fahy Horror Movie Delivers Technological Psychological Thrills

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In the movie “Drop” by Christopher Landon, a seemingly straightforward concept is skillfully transformed into a gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller that relies on intense claustrophobic tension and genuine unpredictability. The protagonist, Violet (played by Meghann Fahy), is a recently liberated woman from an abusive relationship who goes on her first date with a man named Henry (Brandon Sklenar). However, their seemingly pleasant evening takes a dark turn when mysterious memes start appearing on Violet’s phone. This ominous digital prank gradually morphs into a harrowing power struggle as Violet finds herself ensnared in a dangerous game of manipulation and control with an unidentified tormentor, leaving her trapped in a chilling cat-and-mouse chase.

In a departure from his more comedic horror ventures such as Happy Death Day and Freaky, Landon delivers a more somber and suspenseful film in Drop. While the initial incident carries a touch of the absurd, the tone is carefully maintained to avoid becoming too humorous. The movie’s close framing and swift tempo mirror the growing anxiety of the protagonist, Violet, as she faces one impossible choice after another, ensuring that viewers empathize deeply with her predicament. The narrative structure echoes the unrelenting momentum found in films like Red Eye and Non-Stop, where characters are confined to a single location and must make difficult decisions. This film immerses you in Violet’s struggle, leaving you pondering your own actions in such a harrowing scenario.

Fahy gives an intense portrayal of Violet, conveying the fear and determination of a woman trapped by circumstances beyond her power. Her interactions with Henry are convincing, and their initial meeting, skillfully penned, shows a mix of unease and comfort as they navigate discovering each other and finding humor amidst their awkward moments. As Violet keeps disappearing to handle the crisis, there’s an underlying dark comedy in how poorly this date is unfolding and how oblivious Henry appears to be about the situation.

The unexpected nature of Drop is its most powerful aspect. One intriguing aspect of this movie lies in the fact that when Violet steps into the restaurant for the first time, she interacts with several individuals, any of whom could be a decoy or the true mastermind. As we, along with Violet, try to figure out the killer’s identity, the tension escalates significantly. The mastermind has threatened to harm Violet’s date if she doesn’t kill him, and her young son will be harmed as well. In this situation, Violet is in way over her head, and nothing about it is straightforward. This film, reminiscent of Hitchcock, offers high-pressure, single-location suspense that keeps you guessing every minute.

Underneath the heart-racing suspense, Drop doesn’t flinch from portraying the grim reality of domestic abuse. It’s intriguing to observe a current issue seamlessly incorporated into a genre film. The opening scene vividly shows the brutality Violet endured in her marriage, and it becomes more engaging when the narrative hints that Henry may have experienced something similar. This unexpected theme could potentially be distressing for individuals who have lived through such experiences, but ultimately, the movie focuses on the strength of survivors.

The film encounters certain obstacles. The initial concept of kickstarting the suspense through a character receiving shared memes is amusingly redundant in hindsight. Its main purpose seems to be hinting that the murderer is within the restaurant, but it also gives an impression that the movie began with that relatable premise and struggled to rationalize it. The plot may seem far-fetched as the villain’s plan is excessively complex, and there were numerous simpler methods for the killer to achieve their objectives. Additionally, Violet’s decision to disclose crucial information towards the end of the movie feels both foreseeable and intriguing, yet it ultimately leads to an intense climax with increased action. However, many complications could have been prevented if she hadn’t shared this information.

Landon’s unique talent for crafting suspenseful narratives gives ordinary text messages an eerie quality, utilizing camera work and sound effects to immerse viewers in Violet’s growing apprehension. The end product is a captivating thriller that offers something new, while being confined and intensely engaging. “Drop” provides a heart-pounding experience, skillfully blending adrenaline-fueled suspense with thoughtful themes. By embracing its unpredictability and maintaining high personal stakes, it distinguishes itself in the competitive genre landscape, demonstrating yet again that Landon knows how to keep viewers gripped. You’ll find yourself connecting with these characters and enjoying this ride, especially if you can stretch your imagination a bit.

SCORE: 7/10

According to the review guidelines at ComingSoon, a rating of 7 signifies “Good.” This means it’s an enjoyable piece of entertainment that you should consider watching, though it might not resonate with everyone.

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2025-04-10 00:40