In cinemas; Cert 15A
Drop gives us Hitchcockian vibes
Meghann Fahy and Brandon Sklenar in ‘Drop’
Stressful text messages and convoluted plot twists fuel this demented tech thriller from Happy Death Day director Christopher Landon. The great Meghann Fahy stars as Violet, a widowed mother looking to start over with a handsome photographer named Henry (Brandon Sklenar).
Our nervous lovebirds have only just kicked off their first date at a swanky Chicago restaurant when poor Violet receives an intimidating “Digidrop” from an anonymous sender.
It’s probably just some silly kids, says Henry – but the messages keep on coming, and Violet soon discovers there is an armed intruder in her home where her sister Jen (Violett Beane) is babysitting her son Toby (Jacob Robinson). If Violet tells anyone – if she tries to leave the restaurant – her family dies. What does the maniacal texter want? It’s simple, really: for Violet to kill Henry.
Filmed in Ireland last spring, Drop combines flashy, contemporary treats with classic Hitchcockian thrills. It isn’t always a steady union, but we appreciate the effort, and this dizzying nail-biter keeps us guessing – and, indeed, sweating – right up until the big reveal. Switch off your phone and enjoy the ride.
Three stars
