In the landscape of modern independent cinema, few creative partnerships are as quietly consistent as that between director Kristoffer Borgli and New York City-based musician and actor Jordan Raf. While Borgli has garnered international attention for his sharp, often unsettling explorations of identity and social performance, Raf has develop into a recurring presence in his operate, appearing in nearly every single one of the director’s films.
This collaboration extends beyond simple cameos. Raf serves as both a visual and auditory thread across Borgli’s filmography, blending acting roles with original musical compositions. From surreal guest appearances to atmospheric soundtracks, the partnership is rooted in a shared sensibility that Raf describes as a mutual commitment to absurdism.
The most recent iteration of this partnership is found in The Drama (2026), a film that explores the crumbling foundation of a relationship between a couple, played by Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, whose wedding plans are jeopardized by the emergence of dark secrets according to soundtrack guides.
The Dual Role of Jordan Raf in ‘The Drama’
In The Drama, Raf contributes to the film’s tension through both his acting and his songwriting. He portrays the chef responsible for catering the wedding of the film’s central couple. His character is present during a pivotal pre-dinner sequence where the bride reveals a secret that fundamentally alters the course of the relationship. Among his most notable moments in the film is the delivery of the line, “We’re not a bar.”
Beyond his on-screen presence, Raf’s musical contributions provide a critical emotional layer to the narrative. He wrote the song “Sky Turns Red,” a track described as a “Goo Goo Dolls-type crooner” characterized by an aching vocal performance that mirrors the apocalyptic feeling of deflated love. The song is featured prominently in a scene where the lead couple discusses their wedding vows inside a bookstore.
The track “Sky Turns Red” was a collaborative effort, featuring contributions from Ben Leach and Zach Galsky as noted in the film’s song guide. This integration of original music allows Raf to influence the film’s mood even when he is not physically on screen.
A History of Absurdist Cameos
The collaboration between Raf and Borgli is not a recent development but a long-term creative alliance. Raf has established a pattern of appearing in Borgli’s projects, often in roles that lean into the director’s penchant for the surreal and the awkward.
- Dream Scenario (2023): Raf appears as a “dream travel guru,” fitting into the film’s exploration of subconscious projections and celebrity.
- Sick of Myself (2022): Raf makes a “funny little” cameo, continuing his trend of brief but memorable appearances in Borgli’s work.
This pattern of recurring appearances suggests a shorthand between the director and the performer, allowing Borgli to populate his worlds with familiar faces who understand the specific timing and tone required for his brand of absurdist cinema.
The Origins of a Creative Partnership
The bond between the NYC musician and the director began in the late 2010s during a chance meeting at a party in the Hollywood Hills. According to Raf, the two were immediately drawn to one another, discovering a shared core identity as “absurdists.”
Their collaboration has not been limited to feature films. The two previously worked together on the music video for Raf’s song “Scales of St. Michael,” a project described as an “absurdist trip” that featured bodybuilder Frank Yang. This early work in the music video medium likely laid the groundwork for the seamless integration of Raf’s music and acting in Borgli’s later cinematic efforts.
Key Contributions of Jordan Raf to Borgli’s Films
| Film/Project | Role/Contribution | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| The Drama (2026) | Actor & Songwriter | Plays the wedding chef; wrote “Sky Turns Red” |
| Dream Scenario (2023) | Actor | Plays a “dream travel guru” |
| Sick of Myself (2022) | Actor | Cameo appearance |
| “Scales of St. Michael” | Musician/Artist | Music video directed by Borgli |
As The Drama continues its theatrical run, the partnership between Jordan Raf and Kristoffer Borgli stands as a testament to the value of long-term creative trust. By blending the roles of actor and composer, Raf has become an essential, if sometimes subtle, component of Borgli’s cinematic voice.
For those following the release of The Drama, the film is currently in theaters, offering a first look at the latest chapter of this enduring artistic collaboration.
Do you have a favorite cameo or soundtrack moment from Kristoffer Borgli’s films? Share your thoughts in the comments below.