Drop Review: An nearly flawless thriller that is entertaining and moves quickly.

      Drop Review: A nearly flawless thriller that’s entertaining and fast-paced

      “Fun, fast-paced, and packed with suspense, Drop stands out as one of Blumhouse's best productions to date.”

      Pros

      - A clever, fast-moving thriller

      - Filled with unexpected twists and turns

      - Outstanding performance by Meghann Fahy

      Cons

      - May come off as slightly campy

      Drop is the newest thriller from Christopher Landon, who has built his reputation over the past decade with horror successes like Happy Death Day and Heart Eyes. The standout trait of Landon’s films is their distinct 1990s vibe reminiscent of Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson. This is particularly evident in his latest work, Drop, which feels like a spiritual successor to Craven’s 2005 film, Red Eye.

      In Drop, Violet (played by Meghann Fahy), a young mother recovering from the trauma of an abusive relationship, finally finds the courage to go on her first date with a man she met online. They agree to meet at a trendy rooftop restaurant located on the 38th floor of a downtown skyscraper. Shortly after the date commences, Violet starts receiving airdrops to her phone (the film refrains from using any Apple branding, referring to them as “drops”). Initially, both Violet and her date, Henry (Brandon Sklenar), believe it’s just a silly prank. However, the messages soon turn menacing, revealing that Violet’s family is being monitored, and unless she kills her date, her family will face dire consequences.

      I won’t spoil any details as the mystery element is a significant part of the enjoyment. And trust me, Drop is definitely enjoyable. Those familiar with Red Eye will recognize the setup: a woman is trapped in a limited space and forced to make a difficult decision while a killer watches her. Typically, I would argue that modern technology detracts from horror and suspense films, as it’s challenging to conceive a situation where someone can’t find a way to seek help. Yet, Drop cleverly incorporates technology to enhance its narrative.

      With the aid of her Nest cameras, Violet can clearly observe a masked man stalking her family. An airdrop allows someone to send anonymous threats, and thanks to cell phones, the unseen villain can easily communicate with the individual positioned outside Violet’s home. Landon adeptly flips a potential hindrance for horror films into a beneficial narrative device.

      While I appreciate Red Eye, I believe Drop’s tech-driven plot actually enhances the formula. In many ways, it feels more realistic given our current climate of scam calls, phishing schemes, RFID theft, and significant data breaches by large corporations. Technology contributes to a heightened sense of vulnerability — and because many breaches occur anonymously, the possibility that anyone could be the culprit feels more plausible than ever. Drop expertly taps into these fears, endowing the film with an additional appeal that sets it apart.

      Drop captivates with its layered suspense

      Blumhouse/Universal

      I had the opportunity to attend the premiere of Drop at SXSW, and it was one of the most exhilarating and enjoyable premieres I’ve experienced. As the movie intensified, the audience began to cheer for Violet, responding enthusiastically to certain scenes. I found myself caught up in the excitement, realizing I was thoroughly entertained throughout the film.

      I’ve been pondering the reasons behind Drop’s excellence, and I think a lot of it stems from its multifaceted nature. Indeed, it’s a widely released Blumhouse film with a typical 95-minute runtime, but its brilliance lies in how much it manages to incorporate. I counted five major questions raised by the film, which effectively sustains tension right up until its conclusion. Drop prompts you to ask (1) Will she go through with the murder? (2) How will she do it? (3) Why is she forced to kill him? (4) Who is behind this demand? (5) Is there any possibility for her to escape this dire situation?

      With all these questions, boredom never sets in during Drop. This is something I’ve noticed in many of Landon’s films. In the current era of horror led by A24 and Neon, there’s an expectation for the genre to deliver slow-burn dramas that explore deep themes like grief and trauma. While that certainly has its merit, I thoroughly enjoy Landon’s style of filmmaking, where horror can be intelligent, yet still maintain an enjoyable and brisk pace. Drop features a brilliant script, and if you’re familiar with his previous films, you know that Landon is skilled at crafting clever narratives that are both campy and thrilling.

      Drop is filled with unexpected twists and turns

      Blumhouse/Universal

      Drop isn’t just rich in questions; it also features numerous surprising developments. Again, I want to avoid spoilers, so rest assured. Just know that you’ll constantly be guessing the identity of the drop sender, and the film introduces several suspects to keep you intrigued. Moreover