The Drama Movie: A Look at Kristoffer Borgli’s Past Amid Rising Hollywood Profile
As anticipation builds for Kristoffer Borgli’s latest film, The Drama, starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, a resurfaced essay from 2012 is sparking conversation online. The piece, originally published in a Norwegian magazine, details a personal account of a relationship Borgli had in his 20s, and is currently trending on Reddit.
A Viral Thread and Renewed Scrutiny
Users on Reddit have been sharing scans of the article, originally appearing in D2, the weekend magazine of Norway’s leading financial daily, Dagens Naeringsliv – comparable to the Wall Street Journal. The essay, penned by Borgli himself when he was 27, reflects on a relationship with a teenage girl. Translations of the piece are now circulating, drawing attention as Borgli transitions from an indie filmmaker to a more mainstream presence in Hollywood.
The Drama and Borgli’s Artistic Style
Borgli’s The Drama, following his 2023 film Dream Scenario starring Nicolas Cage, features Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, significantly raising his international profile. The film explores a relationship between a soon-to-be-married couple that takes a dark and unsettling turn, aligning with Borgli’s signature style of black comedy – a sensibility that resonates with A24’s preference for bold and thought-provoking filmmaking.
Navigating Socially Contentious Territory
While the legal age of consent in Norway is 16, relationships between adults and teenagers remain a sensitive topic. Borgli directly addresses this tension within the essay, grappling with the social implications of his past relationship. He reflects on the concept of “May-December romances” – relationships with significant age gaps that often face societal disapproval – and attempts to reconcile his experience with cultural norms.
The Essay: A Translated Excerpt
The essay begins with a reference to the numerous films exploring age-gap relationships, prompting Borgli to seek a “moral compass” after developing feelings for a girl ten years his junior. He recounts waking up beside her, initially attempting to rationalize the situation by focusing on her age. However, he admits that his feelings persisted, leading to continued contact.
Borgli draws parallels to films like Lost in Translation and Ghost World, ultimately finding justification in Woody Allen’s Manhattan, where a similar age gap is portrayed positively. He questions why his own relationship, with a smaller age difference, should be considered unacceptable. He describes being captivated by her cultural awareness and intellectual curiosity, finding a surprising sense of equality between them. The essay details their shared interests, from music and film to literature and fashion, and the idyllic summer they spent together.
The essay concludes with a somewhat abrupt ending, recounting a moment when he had to escape her parents’ apartment to avoid being discovered. The summer ended, and their relationship transitioned from carefree weekends to ordinary weekdays.
The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to A24 and Borgli’s team for comment.
Read the full translated essay here.
