Although admittedly fairly forgettable, 'Drop (2025)' is a really solid thriller that benefits from a lack of self-awareness and a stylistic execution. Set mostly in a single location, the narrative mixes the anxiety of a first date with the horror of a hostage situation (the former can often feel like the latter, am I right?). Having the lead character be a survivor of domestic abuse adds another layer of cruelty to the lack of control she has over her situation, while also allowing for catharsis if she's able to work through her trauma and emerge victorious. The theme is dealt with gently but directly, never feeling exploitative because it ultimately seems like an attempt at healing rather than a cheap way to increase the suspense of the central situation. Said situation is undeniably silly, but the film treats it with enough sincerity that you don't feel strange about doing the same. It has comedic moments, some of which are genuinely funny, but its humour never undercuts its narrative. It never feels embarrassed of itself, never feels the need to crack wise to let us know it knows it's actually rather absurd. It remains tense and engaging for its relatively brisk duration, even if it does feel like it spins its wheels a bit in its midsection. Christopher Landon directs the heck out of it, playing with focus and lighting to convey stress and hopelessness, using controlled but chaotic camerawork to compound violence, and splashing text across the screen to make its virtual elements feel as real as everything else that threatens to tear its protagonist's world apart. Add to that a delightfully classic yet pulpy score from Bear McCreary, and you get an atmospheric and absorbing little thriller that keeps you hooked for its duration. Its characters are well-rounded, portrayed by charismatic actors who all understand the assignment, and its plot escalates in a satisfying way. It's tightly written, with a couple of crowd-pleasing one-liners and an escalating sense of suspense, and confidently crafted, with crisp cinematography and convincing set design. It isn't the sort of thing that sticks with you for too long, but it does exactly what it needs to and keeps you on the edge of your seat for its majority. It's an enjoyable experience that does quite a lot with quite a little. It's pretty darn good.
