The Lesson

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2:07

The Lesson

R

2023

1h 43m

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

77%

Tomatometer

101 Reviews

70%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Verified Ratings

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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Lillian Crawford

Empire Magazine

12/12/2023

3/5

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.

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Sergio Burstein

Los Angeles Times

10/05/2023

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

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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

09/25/2023

4/5

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

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Jen Shieff

New Zealand Herald

01/09/2025

4/5

Alex MacKeith’s suitably spare script deftly creates a suspenseful atmosphere.

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Connor Lightbody

Loud and Clear Reviews

07/04/2024

3/5

Bolstered -saved, perhaps- by incredible performances who chew up a script that needed a little silly camp to turn this into something more than a diverting, half-watched late night thriller stuck in the 1am slot on terrestrial TV

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Ruth Maramis

FlixChatter Film Blog

12/22/2023

3.5/5

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.

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Diane F.

07/19/2023

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.

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Mr. Hollywood

07/18/2023

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

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Susan W

07/15/2023

I found the story engaging. The actors were wonderful.

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Donna B

07/12/2023

Slow, difficult to follow. Warped writer

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mary p

07/12/2023

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

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SLIM

07/10/2023

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.

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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

Eileen

81%

53%

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The Lesson: Trailer 1

2:07

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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
Producer: Camille Gatin, Cassandra Sigsgaard, Judy Tossell, Fabien Westerhoff
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
Runtime: 1h 43m