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ThrillerDrama

The Lesson

- Who is teaching whom?

Liam, an aspiring and ambitious young writer, eagerly accepts a tutoring position at the family estate of his idol, renowned author J.M. Sinclair. But soon, Liam realizes that he is ensnared in a web of family secrets, resentment, and retribution. Sinclair, his wife Hélène, and their son Bertie all guard a dark past, one that threatens Liam’s future as well as their own.

Release Date : 2023-07-07

Language :English

Adult : false

Status : Released

Production Company : Film ConstellationPoison ChefEgoli Tossell PicturesJeva Films

Production Country : GermanyUnited Kingdom

Alternative Titles : The Tutor

Cast

Richard E. Grant

Character Name : J.M. Sinclair

Original Name : Richard E. Grant

Gender : Male

Julie Delpy

Character Name : Hélène Sinclair

Original Name : Julie Delpy

Gender : Female

Daryl McCormack

Character Name : Liam Sommers

Original Name : Daryl McCormack

Gender : Male

Stephen McMillan

Character Name : Bertie Sinclair

Original Name : Stephen McMillan

Gender : Male

Crispin Letts

Character Name : Ellis

Original Name : Crispin Letts

Gender : Male

Tomas Spencer

Character Name : Interviewer

Original Name : Tomas Spencer

Gender : Male

Joseph Meurer

Character Name : Felix Sinclair

Original Name : Joseph Meurer

Gender : Male

Reviews

C

CinemaSerf

@Geronimo1967

2023-10-21

I was watching this for about ten minutes wracking my brain to remember where I'd seen Daryl McCormack before - then I recalled "Good Luck... Leo Grande" (2022). Well he's actually quite good in this too. It's quite a clever thriller about his aspiring young writer "Liam" who is offered the chance to tutor "Bertie" (Stephen McMillan) at his home. His father is renowned author "JM Sinclair" (a characterful effort from Richard E. Grant) and mother "Hélène" (Julie Delpy) an accomplished pianist and artist. "Bertie" is a bit recalcitrant but gradually, as "Liam" finds his feet, the two start to bond a little and the older man begins to realise that this family dynamic, still reeling from a previous tragedy, is not quite as idyllic and synchronistic as it appears. Quickly, we discover that the confident and rather domineering paternal figure is actually quite an intellectual bully and he has his own secret which "Liam" is going to be a pawn in bringing to light. It's actually Delpy who steals the film for me. Her's is obviously the puppet master-character and she gels well with McCormack as the plot unfolds towards a denouement that is both fitting and just a little bit surprising. Crispin Letts also adds a little bit of menace as the butler "Ellis" and the tight cast and decent writing help keep this taut and attractive to watch. It's just a little slow at the start, but I still quite enjoyed this.