Plot: What’s it about?
Thrillers are dime a dozen. But good ones are a bit more difficult to come by and creating one in the vein of Alfred Hitchcock is, well, quite a daunting task. But director Christopher Landon manages to pull that off with Drop. Those familiar with the films of Landon will most likely think of Happy Death Day and its sequel or perhaps Freaky, the slahser-based spin on a childhood classic? No? Well how about Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones? Let’s not forget that he’s a talented writer as well with Heart Eyes being (as of this writing) the most recent entry. Suffice it to say, he’s a talented filmmaker and in our cell phone-obsessed world we live in, this one seems a bit spot on. A bit too spot on? Let’s find out.
Single mom Violet (Meghann Fahy) is on a first date with photographer Henry (Brandon Sklenar). They’re at a posh restaurant atop a Chicago skyscraper. Things go from awkward to worse when Violet starts to get obscure messages on her phone. These inform her that she’s to murder Henry else her young son will be killed by an intruder who broke into her house. The person sending the messages is somewhere inside the restaurant and time is spent trying to figure out who it is before time runs out (both literally and figuratively). The caller has access to everything she says and does and, therefore, has to be a bit creative with her “plan.” There’s a palpable amount of tension which helps up the viewing pleasure. Add to this that Violet is wondering what her date has done to make this person want him dead. It’s this kind of “wrong place at the right time” predicament that keeps the pace moving.
This is a taut, very tense thriller that had me from the opening scene. And, yes, there is a bit of suspension of disbelief involved (particularly in the third act) as some of the things that are done simply aren’t possible, but hey…it’s a work of fiction. Meghann Fahy’s performance keeps the film moving and part of Christopher Landon’s mantra is having strong female leads (just like Hitchcock). The film’s fast pace and somewhat claustrophobic feel only add to the tension and though the film isn’t too much of an investment at 95 minutes, I felt the time whiz right by. This is one of those films that I see myself watching once a year. It’s worth checking out, to be sure.
Video: How’s it look?
I hate to use the term run-of-the-mill, because this is anything but that. The picture as a whole is unparalleled. It’s pristine. Colors are bright and bold, detail is off the charts, the backgrounds sparkle and so forth. Flesh tones are, of course, spot on accurate. Given that the majority takes place in a dimly lit restaurant, the transfer handles this with ease. But to my aforementioned comment, everything looks so darn good these days that we have to ask ourselves “what is truly great vs….not?” This 2.39:1 HEVC 4K image simply dazzles from beginning to end, as it should. Absolutely no complaints here.
Audio: How’s it sound?
Nearly on par with the visuals is this immersive Dolby Atmos mix. Put it this way, every time my cell phone buzzes from now on I’ll think of this movie. Nevertheless, we’re treated with all the usual caveats with sharp, crisp vocals accompanied by a nice, even front stage. Surrounds are key in a few sequences as well that manages to heighten the action. It’s a good-sounding track.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Audio Commentary – Those who have listened to Landon’s commentary tracks know what to expect. He’s very articulate and precise and usually I find this a turn off, but he has a way of telling things that they make sense (which makes it easier for us with low IQ’s to understand). It’s a great track.
- A Recipe for Thrills: Making Drop – The cast and crew sort through the ingredients of this date gone wrong.
- A Palate for Panic – Take a seat and devour the details that went into creating Palate, a film set that doubles as a fully operational restaurant.
- Killer Chemistry – Meghann Fahy and Brandon Sklenar discuss their characters’ first date and how they managed to keep Violet and Henry grounded throughout the escalation of events.
The Bottom Line
Drop is the kind of movie that I love. It’s simple, gets the job done and manages to thrill and entertain along the way. If you’re a fan of Christopher Landon’s films then I see no reason why this one shouldn’t be right up your alley. Universal’s disc is spot on gorgeous with a smattering of supplements to boot.
