Full Breakdown
Controversy Surrounds Kristoffer Borgli's Past as His Film "The Drama" Approaches Release
3/28/2026, 2:42:26 PM
Resurfacing of Borgli's 2012 Essay
Kristoffer Borgli, the 40-year-old director of the upcoming film *The Drama*, is facing backlash due to a resurfaced essay he wrote in 2012. In this piece, published in the Norwegian magazine *Dagens Naeringsliv*, Borgli detailed his romantic relationship with a 16-year-old girl while he was 27. The essay, which has drawn renewed attention following its translation by *The Hollywood Reporter*, discusses the complexities of their relationship, which he characterized as a "May-December romance." Borgli noted that the legal age of consent in Norway is 16, yet acknowledged the social controversies surrounding such age differences.
Content of the Essay
In his essay, Borgli reflected on the societal implications of dating someone significantly younger, citing his friends' disapproval of the relationship. He expressed a need to "recalibrate" his moral compass and referenced films like Woody Allen's *Manhattan* and *Lost in Translation* to justify his feelings. Borgli described their time together as an "exotic summer," filled with shared interests and experiences, but ultimately concluded that their relationship ended when her parents returned unexpectedly from vacation.
Public Reaction and Criticism
The resurfacing of Borgli's essay has sparked significant criticism online, particularly on platforms like Reddit. Users have expressed disappointment and outrage, labeling Borgli's past actions as inappropriate. Comments ranged from disapproval of his justification for the relationship to outright refusal to support his upcoming film. One user stated, “So, instead of accepting that he’s a creep who should not act on his creepiness, he decided everyone else was wrong,” while another declared they would not watch *The Drama*.
Official Statements & Responses
As of now, A24, the distributor of *The Drama*, has not issued a public comment regarding the controversy surrounding Borgli's past. The film is set to premiere on April 3, 2023, and features Zendaya and Robert Pattinson in leading roles. The narrative of *The Drama* revolves around a couple whose relationship is tested when unsettling truths are revealed days before their wedding.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Borgli's essay has been widely discussed, there is no official confirmation regarding the specific plot twist of *The Drama*. Reports suggest that the film may involve a sensitive topic related to a school shooting, which has raised concerns from advocates like Tom Mauser, who lost his son in the Columbine shooting. Mauser has criticized the potential normalization of such themes in a romantic film, emphasizing the need for sensitivity in storytelling.
What's Next
As *The Drama* approaches its release, the controversy surrounding Borgli's past and the film's content continues to evolve. The public's reaction may influence the film's reception and discussions about age gaps in relationships, as well as the portrayal of sensitive subjects in cinema. The upcoming premiere will likely be a focal point for further discourse on these issues.
