NEW YORK (OSV News) — Moviegoers may want to take a break from their cellphones after seeing the intriguing thriller “Drop” (Universal). That’s because the technology involved in sending the titular type of message – as well as the ubiquity of the devices themselves – has the film’s protagonist in a quandary.
Meghann Fahy plays Chicago therapist Violet. A survivor of spousal abuse herself, as opening flashbacks show, Violet specializes in helping other women in similar situations.
After an understandably long hiatus from the dating scene, Violet is ready to reclaim romance via a rendezvous with Henry (Brandon Sklenar), a professional photographer with whom she recently connected online. He’s arranged for dinner at a luxurious restaurant atop a skyscraper.
Anxious to encourage Violet’s search for love, her sister Jen (Violett Beane) has volunteered to babysit Violet’s young son, Toby (Jacob Robinson).
Violet’s initially promising night out is swiftly upended, however, when she starts to receive a series of texts and images threatening Toby and Jen’s lives unless she agrees to cooperate in an evil scheme. A check of her home security system reveals that a masked gunman has indeed managed to make his way into the dwelling.
Even as Violet tries to determine which of her fellow diners is her tormentor, she scrambles to avoid carrying out the sinister instructions she’s been given. In this respect, director Christopher Landon’s mostly satisfying mind game keeps its moral house in order.
Beginning with Violet’s memories of mistreatment, “Drop” has its moments of emotional intensity. But the mayhem inherent in her more recent plight is presented in a relatively restrained way. Since the vocabulary of Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach’s script is also generally inoffensive, the production overall is possibly acceptable for mature adolescents.
The film contains mostly stylized but occasionally harsh violence with some gore, a couple of uses of profanity, several milder oaths and about a half-dozen crude expressions. The OSV News classification is A-III – adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 – parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.