Review by Jon Donnis
Christopher Landon's Drop (2025) is a gripping American thriller that uses the tension of modern technology and the claustrophobia of a single-location setting to great effect. The film centers on Violet Gates (Emmy nominee Meghann Fahy), a widowed mother who is finally dipping her toes into the world of dating after her husband's tragic suicide. When Violet meets the charming and seemingly perfect Henry (Brandon Sklenar) for a much-anticipated dinner date at a high-end restaurant, things quickly take a dark turn. Violet begins receiving cryptic and increasingly disturbing messages, or "Digi-Drops," from an anonymous source. These drops become more sinister as they threaten her son and sister's lives, forcing Violet into a twisted game of survival that could cost her everything.
The plot takes a fascinating turn when Violet realizes the messages are coming from an unknown person who has access to her security cameras at home. The tormentor's instructions are simple but chilling: obey or her family will die. As the night at the restaurant continues, Violet must follow the directives that range from retrieving a camera from Henry's bag to more serious crimes. But Violet is in a moral and emotional bind, making this an intense, character-driven thriller with much more on the line than just her own safety.
The movie excels by anchoring its high-stakes tension in real human emotions. Violet's desire to escape the past and move forward as a mother and woman makes her vulnerability relatable, but it's Fahy's performance that elevates the material. Fahy brings a raw authenticity to Violet that is essential for the emotional stakes of the story to resonate. She makes Violet's frustration with the tormenting messages and her gradual descent into fear and desperation feel grounded in reality.
Brandon Sklenar's portrayal of Henry complements Fahy's performance, giving the audience a charming, sympathetic figure whose motivations are not clear-cut. While their chemistry at the dinner table starts off promising, the tension quickly escalates as Violet's life unravels and Henry's role in the drama becomes more complex. The supporting characters, from the suspicious bartender Cara (Gabrielle Ryan Spring) to the ill-fated diner Richard (Reed Diamond), contribute to the paranoia that permeates the film. Each new interaction builds upon the sense that no one can be trusted, and the walls of the restaurant begin to feel more like a prison than a fine dining experience.
Landon has crafted a film that pays homage to classic Hitchcockian thrillers while injecting it with a modern edge. The concept of surveillance, digital threats, and the isolation of a single location are used to great effect. The film's setting in the upscale restaurant, Palate, adds a sleek yet suffocating atmosphere. The modern tech elements, Digi-Drops and security cameras, keep the plot feeling contemporary and relevant, yet the pacing and structure of the film feel timeless. Drop does not overwhelm the audience with too much exposition; instead, it builds tension gradually, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with each new directive.
The way the tension builds around Violet's predicament makes the first two-thirds of the movie highly effective. The slow burn is filled with psychological intrigue as Violet's mental state deteriorates while trying to follow the increasingly dangerous instructions. Landon's direction is precise, and the pacing never lags. It's in this build-up that Drop truly shines, by playing on the vulnerability of its protagonist and making the audience question what they would do in a similar situation.
However, it's in the final act that the film begins to lose some of its grip. As the twists and revelations come fast and furious, some of them feel overly implausible, and the film begins to strain credulity. While this doesn't completely undermine the film's suspense, the final 15 minutes are filled with moments of ridiculousness that make it hard to maintain the suspension of disbelief. The narrative veers into somewhat predictable territory, and by the time the climax arrives, it feels like the film has overstretched the limits of its premise.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Drop is still an enjoyable and satisfying thriller. The film knows what it is, a tension-filled, plot-driven piece of entertainment that doesn't require the audience to dig too deep but provides plenty of thrills along the way. The film's tight 95-minute runtime is one of its strengths, allowing it to maintain its focus and urgency throughout without overstaying its welcome.
Ultimately, Drop succeeds because it embraces its genre without taking itself too seriously. The story is undeniably silly at times, but that is part of the fun. The film doesn't try to be more than it is, and it works because of it. The tension is real, and the stakes feel high, even if the plot occasionally strays into far-fetched territory.
Drop is a fast-paced, efficient thriller that offers a fun, albeit slightly over-the-top, ride. The performances from Meghann Fahy and Brandon Sklenar, paired with Landon's effective direction, keep the film engaging, even when the story becomes more outlandish. It may not break new ground in the genre, but it delivers on its promise of a suspenseful and entertaining thriller. If you're looking for a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat without requiring too much thought, Drop is well worth your time.
Rating: 8/10
Out Now on Digital
Apple TV - https://apple.co/44pUGO7
