After its world premiere at SXSW and screenings at other major film festivals, Drag makes its way over to our UK screens and blesses us with a dark comedy that really hits the mark. Following two sisters who attempt to burgle a house before big sister Fuckup (Lizzy Chaplin) throws her back out and is unable to move, it is now up to Sister (Lucy DeVito) to drag her across the house and escape before the homeowner returns.
What works perfectly for this film is the minimal set-up, filmed almost exclusively in one location and with a small cast of four, allowing the actors to fully explore and have fun with their roles. The dynamic between the two leads, Chaplin and DeVito, shines through; their comedic timing and the odd heartfelt moments really show a true version of a sisterly bond, particularly one that has drifted apart over the years. John Stamos plays an excellent villain who is unsettling and odd but has a charm about him, echoing other similar characters such as Patrick Bateman in American Psycho, and then we have his victim and date played by Christine Ko, who adds another sprinkling of comedy which never feels forced or out of place.
Drag takes a couple of twists and turns that any fan of the home invasion genre will probably see coming, but that isn’t to its detriment; there are still some shocking moments, and one particular gross-out moment that is expertly done, leaving its audience to wince one moment and then laugh out loud the next. There are also some great moments of gore and over-the-top special effects which really add to the overall comedic feel of the film.
Some of the choices Drag takes during its climactic end are slightly disappointing, but that is more down to the very likeable characters and the bond the audience is able to have with them thanks to an excellently written script by the directors of the film, Raviv Ullman and Greg Yagolnitzer. It would have been great if the film stuck with the more hide-and-seek idea the film had during the first quarter, as this led to more tense and comedic moments.
Drag is an excellent dark comedy home invasion movie using minimal space to its advantage, and it never outstays its welcome. The pacing is fast, and the comedy is timed perfectly to help this 86-minute film fly by. With a small cast, each actor is able to shine and really take their character head-on and truly have fun with it. Whilst some choices are a bit disappointing and it does take one too many twists, it doesn’t take away the fact that it is an absolute blast to watch.
Drag had its UK premiere at FrightFest 2026 on Friday, August 28
