The Lesson

R

Released Jul 7, 2023

1 hr. 43 min.

Mystery & Thriller

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List

76%

101 Reviews

Tomatometer

70%

Fewer than 50 Verified Ratings

Audience Score

Liam (Daryl McCormack), an aspiring and ambitious young writer, eagerly accepts a tutoring position at the family estate of his idol, renowned author J.M. Sinclair (Academy Award nominee Richard E. Grant). But soon, Liam realizes that he is ensnared in a web of family secrets, resentment, and retribution. Sinclair, his wife Hélène (Academy Award nominee Julie Delpy), and their son Bertie (Stephen McMillan) all guard a dark past, one that threatens Liam's future as well as their own. As the lines between master and protégé blur, class, ambition, and betrayal become a dangerous combination in this taut noir thriller.

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Critics Consensus

Even if it isn't always quite as clever as it seems to think it is, sharp performances from an outrageously talented cast make The Lesson worth learning.

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Diane F.

A real mystery with an unexpected ending. Movie held your attention as the subtle suspense increased until the ending. Interesting characters that kept you focused on what the ultimate ending would be. Enjoyed.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/19/23

Full Review

Mr. Hollywood

Drags a bit but once it gets going it grabs your attention. Nothing new but as the film says theres no original ideas anyway

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/18/23

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Susan W

I found the story engaging. The actors were wonderful.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/15/23

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Donna B

Slow, difficult to follow. Warped writer

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

07/12/23

Full Review

mary p

Really good flick in this age of blockbuster sci fi or horror movies. Quiet, thoughtful, intriguing movie with fabulous actors in a lovely setting.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/12/23

Full Review

SLIM

Loved the easy pace of the movie. Fleshed out characters and a twist that you never see coming. I'll admit this "slow" film will not be for everyone but if you love film see this one.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/10/23

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Alice Troughton

Director

Richard E. Grant

JM Sinclair

Julie Delpy

Hélène Sinclair

Daryl McCormack

Liam Sommers

Crispin Letts

Ellis

Stephen McMillan

Bertie Sinclair

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82%

75%

In the Land of Saints and Sinners

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82%

53%

Eileen

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for Eileen

13%

21%

Hide and Seek

32%

62%

Hypnotic

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20%

34%

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The Lesson: Trailer 1

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Lillian Crawford

Empire Magazine

McCormack, Grant and Delpy waltz with flair in this stylish if unoriginal slow-burn thriller. Best consumed with a large glass of red wine and one’s tongue in one’s cheek.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 12, 2023

Full Review

Sergio Burstein

Los Angeles Times

The film results in tremendous entertainment. [Full review in Spanish]

Oct 5, 2023

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Kevin Maher

Times (UK)

... A movie that loves its actors and bounces buoyantly from scene to scene on the thrilling chemistry they provide.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 25, 2023

Full Review

Ruth Maramis

FlixChatter Film Blog

Takes a while to get going but this neo-noir grows more engaging once it gets into gear. Daryl McCormack holds his own against veterans Richard E. Grant + Julie Delpy.

Rated: 3.5/5

Dec 22, 2023

Full Review

Farah Cheded

A Good Movie To Watch

Not quite a bestseller [...] but definitely not airport fiction either.

Dec 2, 2023

Full Review

Damon Wise

Deadline Hollywood Daily

Although the hero of the piece is ostensibly Sommers, played with subtle shades of Tom Ripley by Good Luck to You Leo Grande’s McCormack, the standout, inevitably, is Grant, who’s on fire here as the domineering patriarch.

Nov 15, 2023

Full Review

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Synopsis

Liam (Daryl McCormack), an aspiring and ambitious young writer, eagerly accepts a tutoring position at the family estate of his idol, renowned author J.M. Sinclair (Academy Award nominee Richard E. Grant). But soon, Liam realizes that he is ensnared in a web of family secrets, resentment, and retribution. Sinclair, his wife Hélène (Academy Award nominee Julie Delpy), and their son Bertie (Stephen McMillan) all guard a dark past, one that threatens Liam's future as well as their own. As the lines between master and protégé blur, class, ambition, and betrayal become a dangerous combination in this taut noir thriller.

Director: Alice Troughton
Executive Producer: Andrew Karpen, Kent Sanderson, Martin Heberden, Jens Meurer
Screenwriter: Alex MacKeith
Distributor: Bleecker Street
Production Co: Bleecker Street Media, Egoli Tossell Film, Jeva Films, Poison Chef, Constellation Productions
Rating: R
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 7, 2023, Limited
Box Office (Gross USA): $284.7K

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