Christopher Landon’s Drop is a unique, campy twist on a Hitchcock inspired date night thriller. Meghann Fahy cements herself as not only a worthy leading actress, but a final girl that we all root for that is guaranteed to have audiences sat in the theaters for.

A first date can be a lot, especially when you haven’t gone out in such an extended amount of time. There’s something about the first date jitters that makes you feel like you want to throw up while choosing what you’re going to wear, making sure everything is in check before you leave, and of course, making sure that your date is a normal human being.  It’s safe to say, after watching Christopher Landon’s Drop, that we may have one of the craziest first dates we’ve ever seen on the big screen, and one that is guaranteed to become one of the most original date night films for 2025. While the premise may sound insane, it’s a campy ride that plays out with fun reveals, a third act plot twist, and what could go wrong on a date.

Drop follows widowed mother Violet (Meghann Fahy) as she begins to prepare for her first date. We learn that Violet works as a counselor for domestic abuse victims within the opening moments of the film, and lives with her young son, Toby in the suburbs. The anticipation builds throughout the film for Violet as she begins to get ready for her first date in years with a man she’s matched with online named Henry, (Brandon Sklenar) who works for the mayor as his personal photographer. While Violet and Henry meet at a sky-rise restaurant late at night, Violet begins getting anonymous threatening airdrops from an unknown source in the restaurant. The airdrops become more targeted and personal until it’s revealed that Violet must comply with one thing: kill Henry, or her son and sister will be murdered. As Violet tries to decipher who is threatening her, she must use her past to save not only her family, but herself.

It’s easy to say that Drop could be seen as an outlandish thriller, but Landon is able to make the audience root for characters like Violet and Henry. Though the film is primarily set in one location, we get to learn about Violet and Henry’s pasts as they confide with each other about their fears, their jobs, and ultimately, how to survive in a monitored environment. Violet is haunted by her past relationship, and it’s through Fahy’s performance that we are able to completely empathize and fall in love with her character. Violet is shrouded in the past, and it’s the type of role that requires physicality to drive the story home. Sklenar’s Henry is heartfelt, caring about Violet and wanting to be there for her as support, and feels like a person we would all want to protect. Henry wants to do the right thing, and Violet feels herself cornered by what the airdrops are telling her to do. Fahy and Sklenar both equally make Violet and Henry feel more human, and audiences will enjoy how their chemistry plays throughout the film.

The centerpiece of the film is the production design of the restaurant. Throughout the film, we get to see various angles of the restaurant and how it plays a large part into how tension rises throughout Drop. The space feels claustrophobic as if we as the audience are being monitored, though the restaurant itself is spacious and luxurious. The production design feels like a character within itself, and acts as a pivotal spot during an important scene in the final act of the film. From large glass windows to a skyscraper that makes us feel like we’re physically in Violet’s shoes, the anxiety builds throughout the length of the movie. It’s the type of set that works only in a movie like this, and keeps us engaged with every small movement and detail from all the restaurant goers.

Landon is able to build tension with a script written by Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach that feels inspired by Hitchcock for a modern generation. The script itself takes itself seriously when discussing Violet’s past relationship with an abusive ex-husband, and explores how the airdrops confront Violet to save her family and save herself. The third act of the movie has a reveal that feels satisfying, while also leaning into the campiness horror of a modern day date thriller. The reveals throughout Drop raise the stakes for both Violet and Henry, and the supporting cast bounces off of their chemistry as they are all pieces throughout the game.

If you’re looking to see an original film in theaters, Drop is a fun ride that will have you checking for all of the clues in a second rewatch. It’s the type of film that you would bring all of your friends to in order to see if who can guess where the airdrops are coming from, and it’s a film that has a beating heart with characters I found myself rooting for. While the date may end in a way that we weren’t expecting, I loved all of the satisfying twists and turns throughout Drop. After watching the movie, I have learned two things: always turn off your airdrops before going on a very important date. I’ll be sure to turn off my phone next time, thanks to everything Violet and Henry go through in the restaurant.

Grade: B+

Oscar Prospects:
Likely: None
Should Be Considered: None

Where To Watch: In Theaters