This movie is a seven. Oddly enough, with better writing, maybe a stronger plot with the right twists and turns, this could've easily been a nine maybe even a rock solid ten.
The performances here are some of the very best of 2023.
Richard E. Grant. Has he been knighted yet? He needs to be. I have never seen him give less than one hundred percent in every role he's ever occupied. Even Spice World. Yup. Spice World. The last film that I saw him in, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, he was spectacular. In The Lesson, he again ascends to great heights. He shows the depth, maturity and wisdom to play a highly-respected author of contemporary English literature.
His gorgeous wife, played by the elegant Julie Delpy.
Delpy in Killing Zoe was a career defining and most memorable performance.
Not surprisingly In The Lesson, she is the petrol to the fire.
She and her husband, the brilliant writer share a massive and secluded home on a beautiful, rolling, presumably English (though it's Germany - I looked into it) country side.
They live with their youngest, university-bound son, Bertie, who is currently prepping for his college admissions.
Bertie is played by Stephen McMillan, and he is maybe the biggest, brightest star of the entire film.
Bertie lives in the cold shadows of his famous father and his recently deceased older brother. The only real warmth he receives is from his mother.
And so she has hired a tutor to assist in this lengthy and intense college admissions process.
The tutor, an aspiring writer with great admiration for the work of Grant's character and his process towards the craft. He's played by Daryl McCormack. A solid portrayal by a solid up and coming talent who has snagged a part in the upcoming 2024 sequel to Twister, Twisters.
And off we go!
Tutor and tutee grinding away on the reading, writing and interviewing aspects of the admissions process.
Deliciously presented dinners with the family by candlelight. Wining and dining. Rachmaninoff playing gently in the background.
The estate is breathtaking. Monet's Giverny it seems. Study sessions out in the fresh air off the garden.
Who wouldn't want this gig?
We soon find out, somewhat mysteriously, many.
Beware jobs with a high turnover rate.
Questions start to surface.
What exactly happened to the older brother, Felix?
And what happens to all of the tutors?
This is where the story should've really blasted off.
But it doesn't.
Punches are pulled.
It gives in and makes it easy.
This movie gets a seven because of all the incredible performances from all of the ensemble.
All of them.
Richard E. Grant is his generation's Ian McKellen.
It's true.
And one of King Charles' first acts should be to knight this fine actor.
