The Substitute

2022

1h 50m

Drama

List

91%

22 Reviews

Tomatometer

A highbrow literature professor returns to his old neighborhood to teach high school, facing his past, his father and the reality of his community.

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Critics Consensus

Following the book on classroom drama led by a fish-out-of-water teacher in a tough neighborhood, The Substitute rises above the curve to deliver a grounded film that successfully balances tension with thoughtful social insights.

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Saskia Lloyd Gaiger

Little White Lies

Intriguing, but would work better if the viewer was slightly less confused than Lucio.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 19, 2023

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

A rather tiring school day.

Rated: 2/5

Jan 17, 2023

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Jonathan Romney

Screen International

It’s compelling and steely-minded, mixing Loachian social issue cinema with elements of a gangland thriller, with a thoughtful philosophical undertow and an insightful central character study.

Sep 20, 2022

Full Review

Edward Porter

Sunday Times (UK)

... Persuasive and watchable, but rather nondescript.

Rated: 3/5

Mar 2, 2023

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Carlos Bonfil

La Jornada

Although Lerman's direction is efficient and vigorous, various subplots do not fully come to fruition, leaving loose ends for some ultimately irrelevant sentimental matters. [Full review in Spanish]

Feb 24, 2023

Full Review

Rene Sanchez

Cine Sin Fronteras

A sincere and empathetic story about the importance of education and the constant fight to prevent it from being a privilege for just a few. [Full Review in Spanish]

Rated: 3/4

Feb 23, 2023

Full Review

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Diego Lerman

Director

Nicolás Avruj

Director

Bárbara Lennie

Mariela

Juan Minujín

Lucio

Alfredo Castro

El Chileno

Rita Cortese

Amalia

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Synopsis

A highbrow literature professor returns to his old neighborhood to teach high school, facing his past, his father and the reality of his community.

Director: Diego Lerman, Nicolás Avruj
Screenwriter: Diego Lerman, Luciana De Mello, Maria Meira, Diego Lerman, Maria Meira, Luciana De Mello
Production Co: Campo Cine, Arcadia Motion Pictures, Bord Cadre Films, Pimienta Films
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Spanish
Runtime: 1h 50m

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