How Much Is Kristoffer Borgli Trolling Us?

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Kristoffer Borgli’s new A24 film, The Drama, explores what happens when a couple, Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Robert Pattinson), reveal their darkest secrets to each other. This fits with Borgli’s previous work, which often examines the boundaries of acceptable behavior and who sets those rules. His earlier films, DRIB and Sick of Myself, dealt with the negative effects of seeking public attention, even when that attention is hostile. His film Dream Scenario critiqued America’s cancel culture. The Drama takes a similar look at accountability, asking a simple question: how much blame should someone receive for a bad act—or even just a thought or something beyond their control?

The question of age gaps in relationships is now being directed at Borgli himself, after a 2012 essay he wrote for the Norwegian newspaper D2 began circulating. In the essay, Borgli, who was 26 at the time, described a relationship he had with a woman ten years younger than him. While the legal age of consent in Norway is 16, Borgli acknowledged the relationship could be seen as socially unacceptable. Despite concerns from his friends, he found solace in the film Manhattan by Woody Allen. He questioned why Allen’s character having a relationship with a 17-year-old in a 1979 film wasn’t controversial, while his own relationship – with a smaller age gap – was being judged. He ultimately decided to follow Allen’s example rather than listen to his friends’ concerns.

Both Dream Scenario and The Drama feature Borgli taking the side of those who are criticized, and he tends to portray those doing the criticizing as unpleasant and overly critical – Alana Haim’s performance in The Drama perfectly embodies this. Although Borgli wrote his piece before current discussions about Woody Allen and the Me Too movement, as someone who studies film, he likely anticipated not everyone would support the idea of prioritizing Allen’s perspective over the opinions of friends. When he wrote about showing his teenage girlfriend Seinfeld, he probably intended to provoke a reaction. Given his background in advertising, Borgli may believe that any attention, even negative attention, is valuable.

The current situation is already causing a stir, and while we won’t reveal details about Zendaya’s personal life, it’s worth noting that Borgli’s provocative essay is gaining attention. It’s unclear if this was intentional, but it doesn’t seem surprising. The essay is more lighthearted than sincere, and Borgli seems to be playfully exploring the situation rather than trying to portray the relationship as serious. He’s almost mocking the idea of it, and perhaps even teasing the audience, more than he’s seeking forgiveness. This isn’t about justifying his work, but about understanding the overall style and approach he typically uses.

I’ve been following Ari Aster’s work, and it’s fascinating to me how he plays with how people think they know someone. He actually told Vulture that he’s really interested in the gap between a public persona and a real person – that disconnect. It feels like this new essay just proves he’s drawn to making us uncomfortable, rather than trying to show us a softer side. He even said, when talking about potentially bigger projects, that it’s important to him that people focus on his ideas, not on him personally. He wants to stay in control of the conversation, and I totally get that as an artist.

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2026-03-31 15:54