Bad Apples Review: Saoirse Ronan in Sharp Dark Comedy

Saoirse Ronan stars in the new dark comedy ‘Bad Apples’. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. It follows an exhausted teacher who makes a drastic choice. Her decision impacts her entire school community.

Director Jonatan Etzler relocates a Swedish novel to a British setting. The result is a sharp, thought-provoking story. It questions the balance between individual needs and the greater good.

Plot Details and Critical Performance Highlights

Ronan plays Maria, a teacher at an underfunded British primary school. She struggles to manage a deeply disruptive student named Danny, played by newcomer Eddie Waller. After a severe incident, Maria makes a panicked, unethical decision.

She kidnaps Danny and holds him in her basement. Surprisingly, his absence allows her class to thrive. According to industry reports, Ronan delivers a masterful comedic and dramatic performance. Waller is also a revelation in his first-ever role.

The Film’s Broader Ethical Impact and Analysis

The narrative evolves into a stark ethical experiment. It asks if one child’s suffering is justified for the benefit of the majority. The film cleverly satirizes educational systems and societal pressures.

This situation forces viewers to constantly re-evaluate their sympathies. The third act takes wild, implausible turns that prioritize thematic punch over realism. The final note is one of bleak, impactful resolution.

‘Bad Apples’ presents a challenging moral dilemma. Saoirse Ronan’s performance is a standout. This dark comedy ensures a gripping and thought-provoking viewer experience from start to finish.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the movie Bad Apples about?

It follows a teacher who kidnaps her most disruptive student. She holds him captive in her basement. His unexpected absence causes her classroom and career to dramatically improve.

Is Bad Apples based on a true story?

No, the film is not based on real events. It is an adaptation of the Swedish novel ‘De Oonsade’ by Rasmus Lindgren. The story was relocated from its original Nordic setting to England.

Who stars in the Bad Apples film?

Saoirse Ronan stars as the teacher, Maria. Eddie Waller co-stars in his debut role as the student, Danny. The supporting cast includes Jacob Anderson and Rakie Ayola.

Where did Bad Apples premiere?

The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. It was featured in the prestigious Special Presentations program. This often signals a strong awards season contender.

Trusted Sources: The Associated Press, Reuters, BBC News, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter.