Thriller Drop and Road-Trip Drama Sacramento Highlight This Week’s Box Office Picks

Now playing in theaters, two standout films are capturing audiences for very different reasons—one a suspenseful date-night gone wrong, and the other a soul-searching buddy road trip.

First up, the new thriller Drop comes from Christopher Landon, the director of Happy Death Day and Freaky. It follows Megan Fahey (The White Lotus) as Violet, a widow navigating her first date since the death of her husband. Just as things begin to go well with her charming date—played by Brandon Sklenner (1923)—a series of increasingly terrifying anonymous airdrop messages shatter the moment.

Tight, tense, and clocking in at just 90 minutes, Drop blends old-school thriller vibes with a modern edge. “You’ll stop caring about the villain,” says Manny, “and just want Violet to make it out okay.” Drop scores three out of four 'ignore your phone' kisses.

On a different emotional wavelength, Sacramento offers a poignant and humorous journey about friendship, anxiety, and impending fatherhood. Directed by and starring Michael Angarano, the film follows two longtime friends—one played by Michael Cera—as they embark on an unplanned road trip from Los Angeles to Sacramento while both are on the edge of personal crises.

With supporting roles from Maya Erskine and Kristen Stewart, the film blends heartfelt performances with quirky, authentic storytelling. Manny calls it “funny, sad, heartfelt,” awarding it three and a half out of four 'driving down the road of life' kisses.

Whether you're in the mood for a pulse-pounding thriller or a heartfelt indie gem, this weekend’s box office lineup has something for everyone.

Catch Manny’s full reviews and more on NBCPalmSprings.com.

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