This movie is not what I thought it would be - teenage angst in a high school setting. Instead, it's about high school grads who deal with the reality that adulthood starts NOW. The film opens with a juvenile sequence but I think this was the director's deliberate way of showing the characters maturing as the movie progressed. The last 30 minutes are really good; I just wished there was a stolen kiss moment or something.
26 Reviews
Disappointing execution of a good premise
peterscarpinato10 September 2021
Set in 1994, for whatever reason, a group of high school theater kids spend a final night together before most of them leave for college. I was a theater geek in high school so when I heard about this film, I was excited to see it. The film has its moments but, unfortunately, never takes off.
The fault here is in the writing which is more interested in the teens constantly quoting lines from the theater and doing silly accents. After a while, It all becomes very annoying. There is a lot of dialogue in this film but little of it advances the story.
I suppose the main protagonist is Gene, the closeted homosexual on the verge of coming out to his sheltered group of friends. I wanted more of an arc for this character but was let down. The addition of JD, the condescending intellectual high school dropout pizza delivery guy was also a misfire. The character never feels believable which renders his impact on the others as far fetched.
The film has a stagey feel and amateur production values. The acting ranges from very weak to decent. I cautiously recommend this film to theater folk. All others can pass this by.
The fault here is in the writing which is more interested in the teens constantly quoting lines from the theater and doing silly accents. After a while, It all becomes very annoying. There is a lot of dialogue in this film but little of it advances the story.
I suppose the main protagonist is Gene, the closeted homosexual on the verge of coming out to his sheltered group of friends. I wanted more of an arc for this character but was let down. The addition of JD, the condescending intellectual high school dropout pizza delivery guy was also a misfire. The character never feels believable which renders his impact on the others as far fetched.
The film has a stagey feel and amateur production values. The acting ranges from very weak to decent. I cautiously recommend this film to theater folk. All others can pass this by.
Dramarama
JoBloTheMovieCritic5 October 2021
7/10 - I feel very conflicted on this one because on the one hand, I really resonated with it and thought it was a beautiful movie that captures the transition at the end of high school, but I also felt that the execution lacked in several places.
Dramarama
CinemaSerf12 May 2024
Whilst the premiss of this is nothing remotely new, the acting from these youngsters is actually quite engaging at times. It's their last day before all heading off for their new lives in colleges across the United States, so they get together for a Victorian-inspired murder mystery evening. Things are interrupted when their pizza delivery boy turns out to be "JD" (Zak Henri) who fancies himself as a bit of a wise-cracking Lothario and is rather scathing of their entertainment. Before he leaves, he invites his friend "Gene" (Nick Pugliese) to a party later and that sows the seed for the ensuing, predictable, dissent amongst the group who now proceed to fall out then in again with a teenage regularity. Though the elephant in the room is never actually addressed, it's pretty clear as the conversation develops that none of the gang have ever dated - and with sexual tension (and friction) increasing we sense that there is something that "Gene" is gagging to tell his friends, but he just can't bring himself to. The drama is the usual mix of temperamental and hormonal stuff, but it's surprisingly effective at throwing you back to when you were a teenager (especially if your sexuality didn't quite conform to "norms") and at how decisions on life and love are being made by folk really nowhere near mature enough to handle or understand them. On first look it's not going to amount to much (and "Oscar" (Nico Greetham) just reminded me of the annoying "Kurt" from "Glee"), but the individual efforts do work quite well once we get going. Think "Cluedo" only there's no need to weapons, just tongues and secrets.
Touching, funny, and great.
jaeckeldrowningpool7515 August 2021
This movie has heart, nuance, and is the real deal. Dramarama recalls other fine coming of age movies such as The Breakfast Club, but Dramarama remains extremely unique.
There are countless subtleties with the emotions expressed by the excellent cast, and the movie will bring out the feels without a doubt. It's both hilarious and touching. Director-Writer Jonathan Wysocki really hit it out of the park on this, don't miss it!
There are countless subtleties with the emotions expressed by the excellent cast, and the movie will bring out the feels without a doubt. It's both hilarious and touching. Director-Writer Jonathan Wysocki really hit it out of the park on this, don't miss it!
Surprising Gem
jamesejankowski9 September 2021
I was pleasantly surprised to watch Dramarama. I wasn't sure what to expect but found the moving to be funny, sad, touching, and full of nostalgia for someone who graduated high school in the 90s. It's a coming of age story about a group of high school friends who just graduated and get together for a last party before starting their post high school lives. Sometimes these kind of movies can be formulaic, but this one is not.
I especially enjoyed the writing as it felt very real and genuine to me. And the actors did a great job of bringing the words to life.
I highly recommend this movie and can't wait to see other work by writer/director Jonathan Wysocki.
I especially enjoyed the writing as it felt very real and genuine to me. And the actors did a great job of bringing the words to life.
I highly recommend this movie and can't wait to see other work by writer/director Jonathan Wysocki.
Full of Heart and Real Teen Feelings
babsneer2 October 2021
It's a little movie with a big heart. Really well written. Some of the scenes are just so real...like: take you back to that awful time in your life real. All the fronting like you have it all figured out. That checked out. The end is very bittersweet. Overall, really pleasantly surprised.
So Nostalgic
billyp-719-38258616 October 2021
This film took me right back into my (awkward) high school years in a way that was really sweet and unexpected. The actors are all so good - especially Danielle Kay and Nick Pugliese. I laughed out loud so many times and definitely got a lump in my throat in the last scene. It all just felt so genuine. Definitely not your typical coming-of-age film.
A totally different coming-of-age film
chowleek20 September 2021
I love coming-of-age films so I've seen tons of them - good and bad. This one surprised me so much I actually watched it a second time! The writing and the actors are so good - you really want to see what happens to all the characters after the film is over. Some of the scenes definitely resonated with me and made me think of what I was like in high school (cringe warning!). It took me a minute to get into the film - it opens with all of them "in character" at a costume party - but it's like peeling the layers of an onion as the film goes on. I couldn't stop thinking about it after it was over. Recommended if you like nuanced coming-of-age films.
Fun, endearing, and relatable for all
dvtuba9 September 2021
I loved this film! The writing and the acting are so pure and authentic, relating situations we've all been in with people we've all known before. Regardless of whether you grew up with or around theater nerds, Wysocki's given us characters that are familiar (we've all known a Claire, a Rose, a JD, all of them) and he's put them in one of the most familiar-to-all-of-us scenarios: graduating high school, what's coming next as we grow older, and what's going to happen to my band of best friends after all this change. Add to that the difficult circumstance of needing to share something with those best friends that you worry would not only change the dynamic irrevocably, but dissolve the group (or your welcome within it) forever.
The fear that friends (even close friends) can grow apart after big change but change is coming one way or another is what hit home for me. Wysocki handles all of this beautifully. The characters are so well-developed, I found myself connecting with each one as they navigate through what could be the beginning of the end of their close-knit group. Or not! The film is all about what happens during a last night together party (although, many emotions dealt with have clearly been brewing for months or years..."dealt with" being the kind that separates the "friends" from the "friends like family") and, thankfully, there's no "Where are they now?" epilogue over frozen screenshots, so it's left to the viewer to imagine the future. But there's something in how Wysocki tells the story that shows us that, whatever happens, they'll all, at the very least, be ok.
Highly recommend!
The fear that friends (even close friends) can grow apart after big change but change is coming one way or another is what hit home for me. Wysocki handles all of this beautifully. The characters are so well-developed, I found myself connecting with each one as they navigate through what could be the beginning of the end of their close-knit group. Or not! The film is all about what happens during a last night together party (although, many emotions dealt with have clearly been brewing for months or years..."dealt with" being the kind that separates the "friends" from the "friends like family") and, thankfully, there's no "Where are they now?" epilogue over frozen screenshots, so it's left to the viewer to imagine the future. But there's something in how Wysocki tells the story that shows us that, whatever happens, they'll all, at the very least, be ok.
Highly recommend!
Must Watch
smrb-222 September 2021
Super Nostalgic and Charming
maralizinski8 November 2021
If you want all the feels flowing back from those teenage years, this is the movie for you. It captures small town drama teens perfectly. All the actors are super charming, and the nostalgic vibes are off the charts. A well-made indie gem.
Cute movie
Alphonso_torres2320 September 2021
Wasn't expecting to enjoy this movie as much as I did. To be honest, I bought it because it had Nico Greetham. The movie's characters were well written and there is as definitely some nice character development. It reminds me a bit of the Breakfast Club. It touches on some topics very well as well. A great funny and of course, dramatic film.
Theatre Kids
krysspop20 September 2021
What a "dramedy" should be!
vagocasting13 November 2021
I totally relate to this movie in so many ways! It's so heartfelt and hilarious!
I love all these characters! Even the cool guy. (I'm not sure I'm supposed to have empathy for him because he's a bit jerk-ish to the core group of friends, but I do.) When is the sequel or TV series coming out? I want to know what happens to them all!
They all felt so much like REAL friends, not fake constructed friends like "90210." Their intense teenage dynamics that can change on a dime; their goofy, impulsive play; their heartbreaks and connections - all so genuinely portrayed and written. All the secrets they hold, and how (and if!) they are revealed to each other, make for good plot twists, surprises, and suspense. Small, wonderful cast - all excellent!
It's OK if you don't get all the 90s references - I didn't! Even if I didn't always get them, I was laughing because the cast made the lines so funny. And this dramedy lets you laugh without guilt! There really are no crushing jokes at someone else's expense and the serious scenes don't rob you of the joy you had moments before. This movie will pull at your heartstrings at times, but not in obvious "cue-the-tears" ways, thank goodness.
Even though the movie is set in a middle-class suburb, Dramarama captures the uncertainty and excitement of that critical cusp-y time in our lives between adolescence and adulthood that I think is a commonly-shared experience across geographic, ethnic, and economic strata. While the individual details of our personal human development may differ, most of us probably grappled with aspects of our identity, started to question our beliefs and those we were raised with and around, and delighted in the dreams of our future during our "pre-adult" age. Whether you're going through this stage now (or soon!) or you're looking back on it, this movie gives you both levity and perspective on the journey through it.
This movie hits every mark! Including a great soundtrack!
Totally worth the watch! (I've watched this movie a few times already!) I'm all, "This movie is so rad!"
I love all these characters! Even the cool guy. (I'm not sure I'm supposed to have empathy for him because he's a bit jerk-ish to the core group of friends, but I do.) When is the sequel or TV series coming out? I want to know what happens to them all!
They all felt so much like REAL friends, not fake constructed friends like "90210." Their intense teenage dynamics that can change on a dime; their goofy, impulsive play; their heartbreaks and connections - all so genuinely portrayed and written. All the secrets they hold, and how (and if!) they are revealed to each other, make for good plot twists, surprises, and suspense. Small, wonderful cast - all excellent!
It's OK if you don't get all the 90s references - I didn't! Even if I didn't always get them, I was laughing because the cast made the lines so funny. And this dramedy lets you laugh without guilt! There really are no crushing jokes at someone else's expense and the serious scenes don't rob you of the joy you had moments before. This movie will pull at your heartstrings at times, but not in obvious "cue-the-tears" ways, thank goodness.
Even though the movie is set in a middle-class suburb, Dramarama captures the uncertainty and excitement of that critical cusp-y time in our lives between adolescence and adulthood that I think is a commonly-shared experience across geographic, ethnic, and economic strata. While the individual details of our personal human development may differ, most of us probably grappled with aspects of our identity, started to question our beliefs and those we were raised with and around, and delighted in the dreams of our future during our "pre-adult" age. Whether you're going through this stage now (or soon!) or you're looking back on it, this movie gives you both levity and perspective on the journey through it.
This movie hits every mark! Including a great soundtrack!
Totally worth the watch! (I've watched this movie a few times already!) I'm all, "This movie is so rad!"
A Fantastic LGBTQ+ Film
yanghenry4130 October 2021
Very good but could've been better
willwalker-2460111 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Don't get me wrong, this movie is incredible. The acting, the directing, the characters, etc. It was very easy to watch and had very realistic dialogue.
The main thing I wish this movie would've done is give the central character more resolution.
Gene is one of the most relatable characters I've ever seen in a movie. He's closeted in a homophobic community of theatre people, and he's doubting his religion when everyone around him is expecting him to conform to their own religious beliefs. The scene where he's changing in the same room as Oscar was also painfully accurate.
The whole movie seems building up to one moment. I guessed that moment would either be Gene coming out, or Oscar kissing Gene with a surprise "Oscar is actually Gay too" twist. However, we get neither.
He never actually comes out to his friends, leaving the story unresolved and somewhat depressing. Yes, a couple of the characters suspect it by the end, and one friend even suggests she would accept him. We just never get the coming out scene the audience was waiting for.
I was interested to see each character's reaction and how each character would consolidate their own religious beliefs with their love and friendship for Gene.
I was also convinced for half of the movie that Oscar was maybe also in the closet. That we'd get to see him and Gene express their feelings for each other in some way... but again, this was left unresolved. There's a line at the end that suggests maybe Gene's into Sammy, (another guy we never see on camera) but I question why we never meet him if he's so important to Gene.
So like I said, it's overall an amazing film and you should definitely watch it. Especially if you've ever experienced the pain of being in the closet. I was merely disappointed we never got the payoff the whole movie was seemingly building up to.
The main thing I wish this movie would've done is give the central character more resolution.
Gene is one of the most relatable characters I've ever seen in a movie. He's closeted in a homophobic community of theatre people, and he's doubting his religion when everyone around him is expecting him to conform to their own religious beliefs. The scene where he's changing in the same room as Oscar was also painfully accurate.
The whole movie seems building up to one moment. I guessed that moment would either be Gene coming out, or Oscar kissing Gene with a surprise "Oscar is actually Gay too" twist. However, we get neither.
He never actually comes out to his friends, leaving the story unresolved and somewhat depressing. Yes, a couple of the characters suspect it by the end, and one friend even suggests she would accept him. We just never get the coming out scene the audience was waiting for.
I was interested to see each character's reaction and how each character would consolidate their own religious beliefs with their love and friendship for Gene.
I was also convinced for half of the movie that Oscar was maybe also in the closet. That we'd get to see him and Gene express their feelings for each other in some way... but again, this was left unresolved. There's a line at the end that suggests maybe Gene's into Sammy, (another guy we never see on camera) but I question why we never meet him if he's so important to Gene.
So like I said, it's overall an amazing film and you should definitely watch it. Especially if you've ever experienced the pain of being in the closet. I was merely disappointed we never got the payoff the whole movie was seemingly building up to.
We'll Meet At The End Of The Tour
The_Catpapa14 November 2021
Dramarama is a delight for audiences of all age groups. If you grew up in the 1980s and 1990s you will immensely love all of the clever pop culture references. The introspective qualities of Gene the main protagonist, are akin to those of Angela Chase in "My So-Called Life" or Kevin Arnold in "The Wonder Years." Even if you did not come of age during this time period the film captures the awkward, messy, and complex elements of friendship that are a part of adolescence regardless of the time period one came of age in. A stellar performance all around by a superb ensemble of young people who strike the perfect balance of both serious and comedic acting.
Hidden Gem
tmryyzjqh14 June 2022
This movie is a hidden gem. Heartwarming story of a group of drama nerds (I was just like them !) getting together at the end of summer befire going their separate ways. Funny, sad, heartwarming. Really enjoyable. I totally related to the characters. Great acting. Great production value and entertaining. Highly recommend.
It Me.
pspringstone127 April 2022
Okay so this movie is super specific (Christian drama nerds) but OMG did it hit me! Sooooo good. Uggggh. All the in-fighting and secret crushes and pretending to be adults but still clearly totally naive...Yeah. It me.
The whole cast slays, but extra shout out to Danielle Kay and Nick Pugliese. I expect we'll see great things from them.
The whole cast slays, but extra shout out to Danielle Kay and Nick Pugliese. I expect we'll see great things from them.
no band-aids for the growing pains
exlana19 May 2024
Dramarama is surprisingly very grounded, light hearted and charming . I'm a sucker for bottle film and this one takes the cake. I love how simplistic and intimate this film is. Just 5 ordinary friends being silly and goofy, hanging out for one last time. It efficiently captures the innocence and the naivety of being a teen
It's very well-made, decent acting, camera style and the story flows naturally. Coming into this film i don't expect to get this much emotion. This films feels like made specifically for adults with mid-life crisis who wants to reminiscing their younger years. Simply beautiful.
9/10 Welp, i missed my friends now.
It's very well-made, decent acting, camera style and the story flows naturally. Coming into this film i don't expect to get this much emotion. This films feels like made specifically for adults with mid-life crisis who wants to reminiscing their younger years. Simply beautiful.
9/10 Welp, i missed my friends now.
Refreshing, nostalgic, familiar
antonisalmpanopoulos3 September 2023
I can't say I relate to everything in this film. There's many experiences in Dramarama that fully resonate with me, others that I'm unfamiliar with.
And yet everything about this film feels refreshing and familiar. To me, Dramarama perfectly executed the atmosphere of a highschool friend group of this type, to the point where I, as the viewer, felt part of it, included in this peculiar friendgroup.
There's this constant sense of familiarity, like I've been there, done that, like somewhere, somehow, I've known these five kids for a while.
The acting isn't great all around, and neither is the execution; but this genuinely feels like a passion project, an almost home-made experience, and a love letter to a specific kind of childhood. Well, and also a love letter to nerdy, gay theater kids.
There's something simply so refreshing in the simplicity of this movie. The lack of dramatic movie, the lack of a true climax, that makes it so different from most movies we get nowadays that it feels special in every way.
Is it too early to call this a classic? Because to me, it efinitely has the potential to be one.
In either case, I can't say Dramarama is truly a perfect film; perhaps not even worth the 9/10 I gave it, at least not from an objective point of view. Yet this resonated with me so deeply, that a 9 was the minimum I could give.
And yet everything about this film feels refreshing and familiar. To me, Dramarama perfectly executed the atmosphere of a highschool friend group of this type, to the point where I, as the viewer, felt part of it, included in this peculiar friendgroup.
There's this constant sense of familiarity, like I've been there, done that, like somewhere, somehow, I've known these five kids for a while.
The acting isn't great all around, and neither is the execution; but this genuinely feels like a passion project, an almost home-made experience, and a love letter to a specific kind of childhood. Well, and also a love letter to nerdy, gay theater kids.
There's something simply so refreshing in the simplicity of this movie. The lack of dramatic movie, the lack of a true climax, that makes it so different from most movies we get nowadays that it feels special in every way.
Is it too early to call this a classic? Because to me, it efinitely has the potential to be one.
In either case, I can't say Dramarama is truly a perfect film; perhaps not even worth the 9/10 I gave it, at least not from an objective point of view. Yet this resonated with me so deeply, that a 9 was the minimum I could give.
Beautiful with an excellent cast! Sequel needed!
andredejongh7 August 2023
Beautiful heartfelt, well acted and well directed film! The actors are exceptional to be honest. I'm sure the director had them practice and do a murder weekend or something before they started actually filming. The group of friends feel so real, the actors are one by one giving such good performances. The script naturally is very well written also giving the actors real people with rounded in depth personalities to play. I genuinely enjoyed this. And of course this calls for a sequel. Really, I insist. With such a superb cast it has to happen. And besides this I really am looking forward to see all the individual actors in other productions. Loved it, go see this film.
Lots of drama - but I'm sure you guessed that already.
andreanoga20 August 2022
I was pleasantly surprised by this cute low budget coming of age film. The characters are all incredibly fleshed out and interesting -- you have reasons to love and hate all of them. The cast is exceptionally talented (especially Nick Greetham as Oscar and Anna Grace Barlow as Rose) and work very well as an ensemble. There are a myriad of layers to this movie and I am incredibly happy I had the opportunity to watch them all play out!
See also
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