Zendaya and Robert Pattinson ‘The Drama’ in trouble as director’s disturbing ‘pedophilic’ essay resurfaces

A wave of controversy has erupted around Kristoffer Borgli just as his new film The Drama begins drawing serious attention, thanks to its high profile leads Zendaya and Robert Pattinson.

The issue centres on a personal essay Borgli wrote in 2012 that has suddenly resurfaced online, circulating widely on Reddit and other social platforms. The piece, originally published in a Norwegian magazine, details a relationship he had in his twenties with a teenage girl. While the essay frames the relationship as a reflective and conflicted experience, its content has reignited debate around age gap relationships, consent and the boundaries between personal storytelling and public accountability.

The timing has only amplified the reaction. Borgli is no longer an underground filmmaker but a rising name in international cinema, with The Drama marking his latest step into mainstream visibility. The film, which pairs Zendaya and Pattinson in an unsettling relationship narrative, already leans into themes of discomfort and emotional tension. Now, audiences are drawing uncomfortable parallels between the film’s tone and the director’s past writing.

Online reactions have been swift and divided. Some users argue the essay is being taken out of context, pointing to cultural and legal differences in Norway, where the age of consent is 16. Others insist that legal frameworks do not erase ethical concerns, especially when the relationship described involves a significant age difference and a teenager still in school.

Clips and translated excerpts from the essay have been widely shared, with some posts gaining millions of views. Critics claim the piece attempts to justify the relationship through cultural references and philosophical reflection, while defenders say it reads more as a conflicted personal account than an endorsement.

The controversy has also pulled A24 into the conversation, as the studio backs The Drama. Neither Borgli nor the studio has issued a formal response so far, despite mounting pressure online.

Meanwhile, the film’s stars have remained silent, continuing promotional appearances without addressing the situation. Their involvement has only intensified attention, with fans questioning whether the controversy will impact the film’s reception or box office potential.

For now, what was meant to be a bold, conversation driving release has turned into something far messier. The film is still expected to proceed as planned, but its narrative is no longer the only thing making audiences uneasy.