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The Substitute

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The Substitute

2022

1h 50m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

87%

Tomatometer

23 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

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

Archi Sengupta

LeisureByte.com

Diego Lerman’s film fails to make an impact with the crime/thriller aspects of it, but as a drama film in the classroom, I quite enjoyed it.

Rated: 2.5/5

Jul 8, 2024

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Edward Porter

Sunday Times (UK)

... Persuasive and watchable, but rather nondescript.

Rated: 3/5

Mar 2, 2023

Full Review

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

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Diego Lerman

Director

Nicolás Avruj

Director

Bárbara Lennie

Mariela

Juan Minujín

Lucio

Alfredo Castro

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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
Producer: Diego Lerman
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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