Film: Drop

An unsettling thriller with an underlying theme of domestic violence. Drop follows Violet, a widow whose abusive husband is seen threatening both her and their son with a gun in the past. Now Violet is seemingly a counsellor who assists other women dealing with coercive and controlling behaviour.

After months of online conversations, Violet musters the courage to go on a date with someone she has been talking to. He books a table at a swanky high-rise restaurant, but almost immediately, she starts receiving phone messages—digi drops—that can only come from someone nearby, as they need to be within 50 yards to locate her phone. Together, they try to identify the sender. Violet has interacted with several individuals while at the bar and begins to suspect them.

Things take a sinister turn when Violet is prevented from seeking help from her date because her son and sister are being held hostage in her home, as she sees through her security cameras. To make matters worse, the restaurant is bugged, and she is being watched at every turn. She is on her own.

However, the film falters from the first message. While it is understandable that someone who has experienced years of abuse would have security cameras, it raises the question: why didn’t she turn off her connection or even delete the app as soon as the messages started coming in? 

Because without that choice, the plot would fall apart.

It's clear that the criminal was aware of her past and knew how to manipulate her, just as her ex had done. Yet, the film heavily relies on Violet’s decision to keep the messages coming.

6/10