“Drop” has no business being good.
The 2025 Blumhouse flick has a straight-to-streaming feel to it. The plot is outlandish, the effects are hokey, and the actors are not well known.
And yet, I was thoroughly hooked from the second it started to the moments the final credits began to roll.
The Plot
“Drop” has one of the most intense opening scenes I have watched. A battered and bloody woman, a violent and unhinged man, a crying baby. I won’t spoil anything but it’s a gripping start to the story.
Violet (Meghann Fahy) is a single mother preparing for her first date in years with a man she met online. She’s nervous, and clearly hasn’t gone out at all, let alone on a date, for some time.
Jen (Violett Beane) plays Violet’s younger sister. Side note, Violet is not a common name, what are the odds? Anywho, Jen arrives to babysit her nephew and help her awkward big sis select a sexier outfit and get over her nerves about meeting a new man.
Violet arrives at a posh high-rise restaurant in downtown Chicago. She meets her date, Henry (Brandon Sklenar) and the night is off to a nice start. Until she begins receiving text messages from an unknown source. Her son is being held hostage, and will be killed if she doesn’t obey forthcoming instructions.
Solid Acting
Meghann Fahy is a truly beautiful woman. As the star of the film, Fahy gives a masterful performance in the role of Violet. The situation is stressful enough; meeting a new date for the first time. The unexpected messages she receives are terrifying. Fahy successfully runs the gamut of emotions as she interacts with her son, her sister, her date, and her phone.
Brandon Sklenar (discount Chris Evans) is solid in a supporting role. He’s believable in his interactions with Violet, and Sklenar lets Fahy take center stage. Jeffrey Self adds comedic relief as the goofy waiter, Matt.
A True Thriller
“Drop” is a fast paced 90 minutes. The modern era is perfect for the setup. Someone nefarious in the restaurant is sending malicious messages to Violet. Since everyone is always on their phones, it’s not going to be easy to identify a bad guy who is always two steps ahead. It’s a great thriller.
Text displays on screen so the viewers can see the messages Violet is getting. A smart choice as it reduces the monologuing her character must do to explain everything. It’s a bit tawdry but not distracting, unlike Meghann Fahy who may be the best-looking person ever.
There are a billion plot holes, inconsistencies, or moments where characters don’t behave the way normal people should. But you can easily overlook deficiencies to enjoy a fun movie. The setting is cool, with the panoramic windows offering views of lit Chicago skyscrapers. I was bummed to read that the restaurant isn’t a real-life place.
“Drop” isn’t an Armani suit. Think of it as a well-washed, well-worn favorite pair of sweatpants. They may not look like much, but sure are comfy!
