Los Angeles, Apr 6 Zendaya and Robert Pattinson's new film, "The Drama", is facing criticism from the gun violence prevention organization 'March for Our Lives' over a particular scene in the movie.
Directed by Kristoffer Borgli, the director of "Sick of Myself" and "Dream Scenario", the film was released in theaters on April 3.
The story revolves around Zendaya's character, Emma, who is getting married and has a dark secret, and Pattinson's character, Charlie, who is also getting married. They are grappling with a revelation right before the wedding.
The 'twist', which was hinted at in the film's trailers, involves Emma sharing 'the worst thing she has ever done' during a game with Charlie and their friends. This secret revolves around the topic of a mass shooting.
'March for Our Lives', the student-led advocacy group, said they were unhappy with how the film was being promoted. Despite their reluctance to spoil the film's premise, they felt obligated to discuss the themes portrayed in the movie.
"With a subject this serious, especially in the U.S., the conversation cannot be limited to the screen. It needs to be reflected in how the film is presented. We understand that art can provoke discomfort and use humor to approach difficult subjects. But when something like a school shooting is treated lightly or used for irony, it raises a deeper question: what kind of conversation is this intended to start?"
"This expectation is even greater when the artists involved have this level of cultural influence. The way this film has been marketed is deeply misaligned with the reality it portrays," the group said, adding that they expect better from the artists and the production house.
In an interview with IndieWire, March for Our Lives executive director Jaclyn Corin also noted that "leaving the marketing up in the air and not taking responsibility and discussing how heavy and real the topic is, is a missed opportunity at best, but harmful at worst."