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It’s been said that you should never meet your heroes because they’ll only disappoint you. And when a young man takes a job in the home of one of his literary heroes in the thriller The Lesson, his experience definitely doesn’t live up to his expectations.
The Lesson finds tutor and aspiring author Liam Sommers (Daryl McCormack) starting his dream job: working in the home of his favorite writer, J. M. Sinclair (Richard E. Grant), and helping his son, Bertie (Stephen McMillan), get into Oxford. But once he moves into the guest house of the family’s sprawling estate, Liam doesn’t receive the warm welcome and artistic support that he expected. Instead, he finds himself living with family members who are quietly, privately grieving and a patriarch who’s harsh and critical—who’s working to finish the novel that will keep him in the spotlight.
By day, this eager young tutor struggles to encourage and enlighten a moody teenager who seems to resent his presence. Over dinner, he tries his best to impress the family with his knowledge, only to realize that he lacks life experience. In the evening, he sits at the desk in the guest house, diligently working on his first novel—while, across the yard, his idol works on what he expects will be another work of literary genius. He’s fascinated by this man who’s both his hero and his employer—and he’s so desperate to make a good impression that he often comes off as incredibly awkward.
But, as is often the case with famous writers (or at least the ones in movies), Sinclair isn’t exactly open and hospitable. At times, he can be charming and animated—the life of this grand, elegant home. At other times, he’s dark and brooding, with an air of superiority that lets everyone around him know that they will never live up to his high expectations. His moods darken the entire home—and the film, too. And it’s just a matter of time before something here gives.
Gradually, then, as Liam uncovers some of the secrets that Sinclair has kept buried, his attitude toward his idol begins to change, bringing about a shift in the story. It’s all moody and suspenseful—and as each family member shows his or her hand, the story takes another turn. And viewers will hold their breath until the story comes to an appropriately dark and haunting conclusion.
Though some of the twists may not be as surprising as others, The Lesson is a tense and mysterious thriller. It takes it time in building, but it’s sure to keep audiences guessing.
Learn alongside this tutor when The Lesson comes to select theaters on July 7, 2023.
Listen to the full review on Reel Discovery:
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