The terrifying twist of drama is set to divide audiences

The drama is not the first film to deal with high school massacres: notable examples include Gus Van Sant’s “Elephant” (2003) and Lynne Ramsay’s “We Need to Talk About Kevin” (2011). The difference here is that Christopher Burgeli, the Norwegian writer and director, sets the subject in what is essentially a comedy, despite its title. The drama has a taboo-busting Scandinavian feel reminiscent of the provocative social satire of Ruben Östlund ( Triangle of Grief ), Lukas Moodysson ( Together ), and Thomas Vinterberg ( Another Round ). But since this Scandi gallows humor has been applied to a film set in the United States and two glamorous stars, it’s no surprise that there have already been media reports of backlash against the drama, even before its release. The father of one of the victims of the Columbine High School massacre told TMZ that the plot was “horrific.”

More like this:

• 10 of the best movies you can watch in April

• The Hail Mary project is “mind-expanding science fiction.”

• The most shocking win in the history of the Oscars

Viewers will decide for themselves whether the backlash is justified, but the risks in the film are very interesting, and beautifully produced. Some of the isolated scenes — especially those before the opening credits — are the stuff of brilliant, ambitious romantic comedy: Pattinson’s character shares his first name, messy eyelashes, and taste in glasses with the hero of Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Pattinson himself has all the shy, English charm of a young Hugh Grant.

Other scenes are the stuff of biting black comedy, and in these scenes Haim stands out with her angry sarcasm and industrial looks. Meanwhile, there are sensitive flashbacks that explore why teenage Emma was drawn to murder, reminiscent of Netflix’s award-winning drama on a similar theme, Adolescence.

The question is whether Burghley finds the perfect balance between these different tones. The answer is: almost, but not quite. The drama devotes more of its energies to awkward comedy than to the reality and feelings of the characters. It’s ultimately a series of funny sketches, though it’s not a completely compelling story, so it’s more superficial than the agonizing scenario deserves. For one thing, it’s hard to believe that Emma and Charlie would limit themselves to a few stumbling conversations about her confession, rather than having a proper conversation about it. However, most people who watch the drama will end up having in-depth discussions, even if the characters themselves can’t lead them. The first great cinema conversation of 2026 is here.

The drama will be released in US and UK cinemas on April 3.

—