Drop Review: Landon’s Tech-Thriller Shines with Old-School Charm

by Tom March 12, 2025

Christopher Landon’s thriller “Drop” is a no-nonsense film that flawlessly merges modern technology with classic film tropes. The film staring Meghann Fahy and Brandon Sklenar expertly weaves through two locations with a handful of characters, offering up a thrilling rollercoaster ride of entertainment. Despite its new-age tech aspects, it encapsulates the charm of old-school moviedom with notable performances from its stars. It may not rank among the biggest thrillers, but it definitely knows its purpose and serves it perfectly.

Drop Review: Landon’s Tech-Thriller Shines with Old-School Charm

– “Drop” is a thriller film directed by Christopher Landon, providing efficient entertainment with its clear intent and structure, and starring Meghann Fahy and Brandon Sklenar, performers previously most popular on television.
– Fahy’s character Violet faces danger from a mysterious threat who begins sending her alarming messages at a restaurant, threatening the safety of her son and sister unless she follows their instructions, leading to an intense story of survival.
– Despite some plot issues, the film is praised for Fahy’s strong performance, Landon’s directing skill, and the thrill of the narrative, likened to a rollercoaster ride.

The pleasure of watching an efficient, fast-paced movie that perfectly executes its intended storyline is certainly refreshing. “Drop”, directed by Christopher Landon, fits the bill as an adrenaline-pumping thriller, primarily set in only two locales and utilizing a limited collection of characters. The driving force behind the movie is simple but thrilling entertainment. Although it relies heavily on contemporary technology, “Drop” still captures an old-school charisma, primarily due to its narrative structure and the magnetism of its stars. Meghann Fahy (“The White Lotus”) and Brandon Sklenar (“1923”) shine bright as movie stars, demonstrating a compelling on-screen presence that is priceless, a characteristic shared amongst the best thriller films in cinema history.

Though it’s important not to get carried away and deem “Drop” as one of the greatest thrillers ever, the movie is distinctly satisfying when compared to other films of its kind, particularly in its focused direction. Indeed, “Drop” feels like strapping into a rollercoaster ride–especially when you experience the first drop.

In the film, Fahy depicts Violet, whose relationship with her abusive partner unravels in a disturbing scene. As the narrative progresses – from her partner’s mysterious death to her hesitations about dating all the way to her dinner date with a man called Henry (Sklenar) – a series of sinister messages to her phone sets in motion a suspenseful chain of events. Violet is taunted by an anonymous villain threatening her family’s safety within a restaurant in Chicago. What follows is Violet’s desperate attempt to reach out for help while being tormented by the invisible tormentor.

What makes “Drop” stand out is how it cleverly eschews the predictable narrative trope. This, in effect, underlines the ordeals women subjected to domestic abuse have to go through, while also brilliantly spinning a tale about survival.

While some actors appear less appealing in their transition from small to big screens, Fahy holds her own in “Drop,” delivering a striking performance. Fahy’s impressive portrayal of her character’s plight is crucial to the movie as the narrative’s potency hinges on the audience’s empathy. Similarly, Landon’s direction aligns perfectly with Fahy’s portrayal, crafting a realistic thriller that demonstrates his exceptional talent and unmistakable finesse.

Regardless of some inconsistencies in the plot or the somewhat lackluster reveal of the film’s antagonist, these blips hardly matter while watching the movie. It’s like being on a rollercoaster – the thrill of anticipation and the ride itself is more exciting than the finish line.