Parents' Guide to

The Lesson

By Kat Halstead, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Intimate thriller has strong language, suicide references.

Movie R 2023 102 minutes
The Lesson: A black image of Daryl McCormack, Richard E. Grant, and Julie Delpy against a red background.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • The Lesson: Richard E. Gran leans over a dinner table speaking to his son, his wife, and the tutor watching on.
  • The Lesson: Julie Delpy and Daryl McCormack sit together looking out of a window.
  • The Lesson: Daryl McCormack swims in a lake, his head above water.

Community Reviews

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age 16+

Based on 1 parent review

wanthonygerard
wanthonygerard Parent of 18+-year-old
July 7, 2023
age 16+

A Lesson in Revenge

This is a sophisticated and well crafted crime story about aristocrats dealing with a family trauma. The characters egos are as tangled as the beautiful gardens on the estate where the movie is set.The plot shows an aspiring and ambitious young writer ( Liam) who accepts a tutoring position at the family estate of a famous author ( Sinclair). The first half of the film deals with the erudite world of famous literary geniuses, and those who are caught in their emotional wake. The first half feels like the plot to any novel about literature and English aristocracy. Feigned formality, classical music debates, literary tantrums from Sinclair, and snobbery all around create the dramatic backdrop for the real plot. Liam is hired by Sinclair’s wife Helene to tutor their son Bertie, who is a quiet and conflicted student aspiring ( and being pushed by his parents) to get into the prestigious English literature program at Oxford. But Liam is also delighted to have this job, since he’s writing his graduate thesis about Sinclair, and is also an aspiring author. Sexual tension is palpable between Liam and Helene, who is matriarchal and beautiful. She is a cougar. Is she also a lioness, the primary hunter in this pack? As the movie progresses, it turns dark as Liam is ensnared in a web of family secrets, repressed sexuality and vengence. Sinclair, his wife Hélène ( played by Academy Award nominee Julie Delpy), and their son Bertie have a dark secret and hide this behind upper class civility. But as this secret is revealed it threatens their future as well as Liam’s. As the lines blur between scholar and protégé ( Sinclair and Liam), and employer and lover ( Helene and Liam) betrayal becomes the theme of this movie. The plot of the lesson is nothing new. It’s essentially a British murder mystery, but the Lesson is much more about the characters than the storyline. It’s a beautifully filmed British thriller.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

In THE LESSON, Liam (Daryl McCormack) accepts a position at the home of legendary author J.M. Sinclair (Richard E. Grant) to tutor his teenage son, Bertie (Stephen McMillan). As he settles into the family's impressive home, cracks begin to show and masks begin to slip, uncovering deadly secrets that defy fiction.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

While the setup feels familiar -- a budding writer takes a position at the home of his successful idol and gradually ingratiates himself into the family -- this British thriller never feels as formulaic as its plot may sound. Strong performances from the entire cast elevate an impressive first feature film screenplay from Alex MacKeith, while director Alice Troughton, best known for her TV work, makes a similarly strong debut into movies with The Lesson. Characters are complex and layered, scenes revealing small snippets of family life unfolding in imposing spaces behind half-closed doors. A playful score by Isobel Waller-Bridge creates a weirdly unsettling atmosphere amid the tension and oppression of the family dynamic that adds further intrigue and cements the film's distinctive tone. It's a dark affair, from which viewers may emerge as bewildered as its lead, though aware that they've borne witness to something subtly unique.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the theme of facades in The Lesson. What were different characters trying to portray to others and why? How did their true feelings and personalities reveal themselves during the film?

  • Grief is a theme in the film. How were the different characters grieving and how did it affect their lives and the way they interacted with others? What preventive measures can you take in order to avoid destructive behavior?

  • Liam shows compassion toward his student, Bertie. How did this impact Bertie's life? Why is compassion such an important character strength?

  • Talk about the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?

  • How did the movie portray sex and relationships? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.

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