Movie of the Day: Drop (2025) by Christopher Landon
- dailyentertainment95
- May 1
- 9 min read
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/drop-2025 (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/drop-2025 (Canada)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32149847/
About movie: https://www.universalpictures.com/movies/drop
Drop (2025)" by Christopher Landon: A First Date Becomes a Digital Nightmare
"Drop," directed by Christopher Landon, known for his work in the horror and thriller genres, is a suspenseful thriller released in 2025. The film ratchets up the tension of a first date to terrifying levels, utilizing modern technology as a tool for manipulation and fear in a story about survival against an unseen tormentor.
About Movie (Detailed Summary)
The film centers on Violet (Meghann Fahy), a widowed mother who is finally venturing back into the dating world after the traumatic death of her abusive husband. She meets Henry (Brandon Sklenar), a seemingly charming photographer, for a first date at an upscale restaurant located high in a city skyscraper. What begins as a hopeful evening quickly devolves into a terrifying ordeal when Violet starts receiving anonymous, threatening messages on her phone via a fictional app called DigiDrop. These messages reveal that an unknown individual has a masked figure holding her young son, Toby (Jacob Robinson), and sister, Jen (Violett Beane), hostage at her home, visible to the tormentor through Violet's own security cameras. Forced into a deadly game, Violet is instructed to follow increasingly malicious commands from the anonymous sender to ensure the safety of her family. These directives escalate from retrieving incriminating evidence from Henry's belongings to the shocking demand that she kill him. Trapped in the restaurant, aware that she is being watched and controlled, Violet must navigate a dangerous tightrope, questioning who around her might be involved and desperately searching for a way to outwit her tormentor and save her loved ones while confronting the lingering effects of her past trauma. The film explores themes of digital vulnerability, trust, and the lengths to which a mother will go to protect her child.
Plot Summary
A widowed mother on a first date receives anonymous threatening messages demanding she follow dangerous instructions, including killing her date, to save her son and sister who are being held hostage and monitored through her home security cameras.
Director's Vision
With "Drop," director Christopher Landon, known for infusing humor into his horror films like "Happy Death Day" and "Freaky," aimed to create a more straightforward and intense thriller in the vein of Alfred Hitchcock. He described the film as a deliberate departure to "flex some different muscles" and explore pure suspense. Landon utilized modern technology, such as the fictional DigiDrop app and security cameras, as central elements of the plot to create a sense of pervasive surveillance and vulnerability. While primarily a thriller, he consciously included moments of humor, particularly through a waiter character, to provide the audience with brief reprieves from the sustained tension, a technique he found effective in creating a more enjoyable experience. He was inspired by the confined tension of films like "Phone Booth" and the suspenseful manipulation seen in "Disturbia," which he also wrote. Landon's vision involved building a realistic, elevated restaurant set to provide him with complete control over the environment and enhance the film's claustrophobic feel despite the open setting.
Themes
Digital Vulnerability and Surveillance: The film highlights the potential dangers of technology and how easily individuals can be monitored and manipulated in the digital age.
Trust and Suspicion: Violet is forced to question everyone around her, including her date, as she tries to identify her tormentor.
Survival Instinct: The core of the film is Violet's desperate fight to survive and protect her family.
The Lingering Effects of Trauma: Violet's past experience with domestic abuse informs her reactions and resilience in her current perilous situation.
Manipulation and Control: The antagonist's power comes from controlling Violet's actions through threats and technology.
First Dates Gone Wrong: The film plays on the inherent anxieties of a first date and escalates them to a terrifying extreme.
Key Success Factors
"Drop" benefits from the involvement of established genre production houses and a director with a proven track record. Key success factors include:
Christopher Landon's Reputation: His previous successful horror and thriller films generated anticipation for his new project.
Intriguing High-Concept Premise: The idea of a first date turning into a deadly game controlled by anonymous digital messages is a compelling hook.
Strong Lead Performance: Meghann Fahy's portrayal of Violet has been highlighted as a significant strength.
Effective Use of Technology: The film integrates modern technology in a way that feels relevant and enhances the suspense.
Support from Major Production Companies: Involvement of Blumhouse and Platinum Dunes provided resources and marketing reach.
Positive Early Reviews: Generally favorable critical reception contributed to positive buzz.
Successful Theatrical and VOD Release: Performing well at the box office and having a quick digital release increased its accessibility.
Summary Short
"Drop (2025)" by Christopher Landon is a thriller about a widowed mother on a first date who receives anonymous threats via an app, forcing her to follow dangerous instructions to save her son and sister being held hostage and watched through home security cameras.
Critics Reception
Critical reception for "Drop (2025)" has been generally positive, with critics largely appreciating its suspenseful execution and the lead performance.
Wikipedia Consensus: States the film received "generally favorable" reviews, describing it as "A Hitchcockian thriller that cleverly utilizes modern technology for its twists and turns, Drop delivers on its pulpy premise while providing a welcome showcase for Meghann Fahy's leading 1 lady chops."
Metacritic: Assigned a weighted average score of 65 out of 100, based on 37 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.
Roger https://www.google.com/search?q=Ebert.com: Gave the film 2.5 out of 4 stars. Critic Brian Tallerico praised Meghann Fahy's performance as "striking" and Landon's direction for its "efficient thrill ride" feel, but found some of the plotting "nonsensical" and the villain reveal "underwhelming."
The Prague Reporter: Also rated the film 2.5 out of 5 stars. The review lauded Christopher Landon's "taut direction" and the "engaging performances" of Fahy and Brandon Sklenar but criticized the script as "underwritten" and the ending as "abrupt and baffling."
Bloody Disgusting: Described "Drop" as a "swift, fun thriller that's impeccably crafted," praising Landon's creative approach.
Daily Dead: Praised the film's blend of tension and humor, calling it a "romantic thriller" with "fantastic leads" and strong chemistry between Fahy and Sklenar.
CinemaScore: Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B" on an A+ to F scale, indicating a generally positive reception from moviegoers.
Overall Summary of Critics Reception: "Drop" was generally well-received by critics, who highlighted Christopher Landon's skilled direction in building tension and Meghann Fahy's strong central performance. While some critics found weaknesses in the plot's logic or the ending, the film was largely praised for its effective blend of suspense, modern technological themes, and moments of dark humor, establishing it as a successful thriller.
Reviews
Reviews for "Drop" often focus on Christopher Landon's successful pivot from horror-comedy to a more intense thriller format. Critics frequently commend Meghann Fahy's performance for carrying the emotional weight and tension of the film. The film's utilization of modern technology, such as the DigiDrop app and the pervasive surveillance, is often discussed as a key element that grounds the thriller in contemporary anxieties. While some reviews point out potential plot holes or a less satisfying resolution, many agree that Landon's direction keeps the audience engaged and on edge for the majority of the runtime. The blend of tension and strategically placed humor is also noted as a characteristic Landon touch that works well within the thriller genre.
Box Office
"Drop (2025)" had a theatrical release starting in April 2025. As of mid-April 2025, the film had a reported worldwide gross of over $26.6 million against an estimated budget of $11 million. This indicates a successful box office performance, particularly for a thriller.
Production
"Drop (2025)" is a co-production between the United States and Ireland. The film was directed by Christopher Landon and written by Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach. It was produced by prominent genre film companies Blumhouse Productions, Platinum Dunes, and Rialto. Key producers include Michael Bay, Jason Blum, Brad Fuller, and Cameron Fuller, with Sam Lerner serving as executive producer. The film stars Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Violett Beane, and Jacob Robinson. Principal photography began in Ireland in late April 2024, with interiors largely shot on a specially constructed, elevated restaurant set at Ardmore Studios in County Wicklow. The estimated production budget was $11 million. The film has a runtime of 95 minutes and features a Dolby Atmos sound mix.
Production Companies
Blumhouse Productions: (Country: United States) - Production company known for successful horror and thriller films.
Platinum Dunes: (Country: United States) - Production company co-founded by Michael Bay, known for horror remakes and thrillers.
Rialto: (Country: Ireland) - Production company.
Distribution Companies
Universal Pictures: (Country: United States) - Theatrical distributor in the United States.
Prime Video: (Global Platform) - Available for rent/buy in some regions.
VOD Platforms: (Global) - Available for Video on Demand purchase or rental from April 29, 2025.
Information regarding theatrical or streaming distribution in all territories is not fully detailed in the provided snippets.
Release Date on Streaming
"Drop (2025)" was released on Video on Demand (VOD) platforms on April 29, 2025. It is also scheduled for release on 4K and Blu-ray on June 10, 2025.
Theatrical Release
"Drop (2025)" had its world premiere at the SXSW festival on March 9, 2025. It then received a theatrical release in the United States on April 11, 2025, distributed by Universal Pictures. The film also had theatrical releases in other countries around the same time.
Why to Recommend This Movie
Tense and Suspenseful Thriller: Delivers a high-stakes premise with effective build-up and moments of intense peril.
Christopher Landon's Direction: See a skilled genre director apply his talents to a more straightforward thriller format.
Strong Lead Performance: Meghann Fahy is praised for her compelling portrayal of the protagonist.
Relevant Technological Themes: Explores anxieties about digital vulnerability and surveillance in a contemporary context.
Engaging Premise: A first date gone terrifyingly wrong provides an immediate and relatable hook.
Why to Watch Movie
Interest in Thriller Films: If you enjoy movies that keep you on the edge of your seat with suspense and unexpected turns.
For Fans of Christopher Landon's Work: See his latest film and a departure from his horror-comedy style.
If You Enjoy High-Concept Premises: The film is built around a unique and intriguing "what if" scenario.
To See a Film Reflecting Modern Anxieties: Explores themes related to technology and personal safety in the digital age.
Appreciation for Films Set in Limited Locations: The majority of the film takes place in one primary setting, enhancing the tension.
What Movie Trend film is following
"Drop" aligns with the trend of contained thrillers, utilizing a limited primary location (the restaurant) to heighten suspense. It also fits within the trend of technology-driven thrillers, where modern digital tools and platforms are integral to the plot and the creation of tension and fear. As a production from Blumhouse and Platinum Dunes, it is part of the ongoing trend of studio-backed genre films with moderate budgets aiming for profitability through effective premises and execution. Christopher Landon's shift towards a more straightforward thriller also reflects a potential trend of directors known for specific subgenres exploring broader cinematic territory.
What Big Social Trend is following
The film directly taps into growing societal anxieties surrounding digital privacy, surveillance, and the potential for technology to be used for malicious purposes. The reliance on anonymous digital communication and remote monitoring reflects contemporary concerns about online safety and the blurring lines between the physical and digital worlds. The film's portrayal of a protagonist dealing with the aftermath of domestic abuse also touches upon the ongoing social conversation around survivors of domestic violence and their journey towards healing and empowerment.
Final Verdict
"Drop (2025)" is a well-executed and engaging thriller that successfully leverages a high-concept premise and contemporary technological anxieties to create a suspenseful cinematic experience. Christopher Landon's direction, coupled with a strong lead performance from Meghann Fahy, effectively builds tension and keeps the audience invested in the protagonist's terrifying ordeal. While some may find minor flaws in the plot's intricacies or the eventual reveal, the film delivers on its promise of a thrilling ride. Backed by major genre production houses and proving successful at the box office and on VOD, "Drop" is a solid entry in the thriller genre and a worthwhile watch for anyone looking for a tense and modern suspense film.
Recommendations for Filmmakers
Embrace Contemporary Technology in Storytelling: Explore how modern digital tools and platforms can be integrated into narratives to create unique sources of conflict and suspense.
Utilize Limited Locations Effectively: Learn to maximize tension and character development within contained settings.
Cast a Strong Lead: A compelling central performance can elevate a thriller significantly and anchor the audience's emotional investment.
Balance Tension with Moments of Release: Strategic use of humor or brief lulls in the tension can make the overall suspense more impactful.
Recommendations for Movie Industry
Continue to Support High-Concept Thrillers: Films with clever and intriguing premises in the thriller genre have the potential for both critical and commercial success.
Invest in Stories Relevant to Modern Anxieties: Films that tap into contemporary concerns about technology, privacy, and safety can resonate strongly with audiences.
Recognize and Support Directors Exploring Different Genres: Encourage filmmakers known for specific genres to explore other areas, as it can lead to fresh perspectives and compelling results.
Leverage the Synergy Between Theatrical and VOD Releases: A strategic release plan that includes both theatrical runs and timely VOD availability can maximize a film's reach and profitability.
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